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When Jabari Tovar ’16 enrolled at Salem State University, he was focused on becoming a stronger musician, not teaching. A lifelong Salem resident, he chose the university for its vibrant, familiar community.
“I had no intention of pursuing music education,” he says. As a music student, Tovar concentrated on developing his skills as a percussionist. Much of his pre-college experience was rooted in drumline performance, but through applied percussion lessons with Abraham Finch in the music and dance department and the Salem State Percussion Ensemble, his musicianship expanded.
“When I began studying with Abe, most of my music experience came from playing in drumlines,” he says. “Abe took that experience and helped me pivot into different percussion instruments. It influenced how I work today, and for that I’m eternally grateful.”
Finding Purpose in the Classroom
When a position opened in Salem Public Schools after graduation, he applied on a whim. Once he stepped into the classroom, his perspective shifted.
“After starting my position in Salem, that’s when I fully realized how powerful and rewarding music education in public schools was,” he says. “That’s when I decided to make it my career.”
Today, he serves as a percussion specialist for the district, instructing students in grades four through 12. He also directs the Salem High School Marching Band and Indoor Percussion Ensemble, arranging and composing music for percussionists at varying skill levels.
“It’s extremely rewarding to give back to a community that has given me so much,” he says of working in the city where he grew up.
Centering Students Through Music That Matters
In his classroom, Tovar prioritizes student growth and belonging. “To me, music education is all about celebrating the small wins,” he says. “When students have breakthrough moments during rehearsals, when they take risks and persevere through challenges, that’s what creates a classroom culture where students feel empowered.”
Early in his career, he noticed a gap in percussion repertoire for intermediate players and a disconnect between what students were performing and what they were listening to in their own time. “The music my students were performing was vastly different from the music they connected with outside of class,” he explains.
To bridge that gap, he began arranging music that resonated with his students. “I’ve seen a huge uptick in ownership and accountability when students perform music that represents them.”
His work developing culturally responsive curriculum has earned national recognition. In February 2023, he was named a “40 Under 40” music educator by the Yamaha Music Corporation. Later that year, he was inducted into the Northeast Regional Educators Hall of Fame. In 2025, he was also recognized as a member of Salem State University’s “40 Under 40,” a program that highlights alumni who are emerging leaders.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Outside of Salem Public Schools, Tovar remains active in the marching arts community. He works with The Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps of Nashua, New Hampshire, where he serves as a battery caption manager supporting teaching and pedagogy.
For current Salem State students entering education or the arts, he offers the following advice: “First, hone your craft. Whatever your specialty is, use your time at Salem State to take it to the highest level possible,” he says. “Second, step outside your comfort zone.” Balancing focus with exploration, he believes, is the best preparation for life after graduation.
As a proud member of the Salem State alumni community, Tovar hopes to remind future graduates that success does not look the same for everyone. “Focus on your own path, go at your own speed and redefine what success can look like.”