EDUCATION 

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Manhattan, KS, (Expected Graduation Date) May 2026 

• PH.D. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

• MUSIC COGNATE

• Graduate Teaching Assistant: Kansas State Bands
  
  

VANDERCOOK COLLEGE OF MUSIC 
Chicago, IL, August, 2012

• MASTER OF MUSIC EDUCATION

• Graduate Dean’s List Member- GPA of 3.8 or higher

• Graduate Teaching Assistant: Educational Music Technology Courses

• Student Teaching: CUSD #115, Yorkville, IL - Supervising Teacher: Victor Anderson and Dr. Ken Snoeck
  
  

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
Muncie, IN, May, 2010

• BACHELOR of GENERAL STUDIES, MUSIC EDUCATION EMPHASIS

• Marching Band, Basketball Band, Symphonic Band, Clarinet Studio
  
  
  

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Graduate Teaching Assistant, 2023 - Present, Manhattan, KS

• Athletic Bands: Marching Band, Basketball Cat Band, Volleyball Band

• Concert Band Conducting Experience: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Concert Band

• University Band: Undergraduate Conducting Coach

• Drill Writing and Instruction Experience

  • 1. • Teaching and Instruction:
         - Assisting in the preparation and delivery of band rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, and lessons.
         - Conducting and directing student musicians during rehearsals and performances, as the Director of Bands assigns.
         - Providing individualized assistance during lessons over technical skill, musicianship, and overall performance capabilities.
         - Providing feedback and evaluations to students to aid their progress and growth as musicians.
         - Providing support to students needing extra help with their coursework or assignments.
         - Serving as a mentor and resource for students, offering guidance on academic and career-related matters.
         - Fostering a positive and inclusive environment within the band program, encouraging collaboration and camaraderie.

       • Administrative Duties:
         - Helping with logistical and administrative tasks, such as organizing resources and preparing concert programs.
         - Assisting with the scheduling of rehearsals, performances, and space reservations.
         - Assisting in recruiting and outreach efforts to attract new students to the program.
         - Coordinating with other faculty members and staff to ensure smooth operations of the band program.

       • Professional Development:
         - Engaging in ongoing professional development opportunities for best practices in music education and performance.
         - Participating in meetings, workshops, and conferences related to band education and performance.

       • Cat Band Graduate Assistant Coordinator (Spring 2024):
         - Experienced in directing and conducting during basketball games.
         - Ensuring appropriate music and providing energetic and supportive performances when the band plays.
         - Choosing music selections that align with the team's spirit and energize the fans during games.
         - Coordinating with arena media staff and event organizers over a headset during game time.
         - Providing guidance and support during the game to band members, fostering their success as musicians.
         - Creating a positive and lively atmosphere in the arena.

       • Undergraduate Conducting Coach (Spring 2024)
         - Providing instruction and guidance for conducting technique, score study, and musical interpretation.
         - Assisting students in understanding the different teaching points, styles, and curricular layout of their assigned repertoire.
         - Teaching students how to communicate effectively with musicians and inspire them to achieve their best performance.
         - Demonstrating effective rehearsal techniques and strategies for conducting ensembles.
         - Coaching students in creating productive rehearsal schedules and managing time efficiently.
         - Guiding students in analyzing scores, understanding the structure and form of compositions, and interpretation.
         - Helping students identify key themes, motifs, and expressive elements within a piece of music.
         - Developing students' skills in leadership and communication, emphasizing effective communication.
         - Teaching students to provide constructive feedback and cultivate a positive and supportive rehearsal atmosphere.
         

GRISSOM MIDDLE SCHOOL, PENN HARRIS MADISON SCHOOL DISTRICT 

BAND DIRECTOR, 2015 - 2023, Mishawaka, IN

• Grades 6-8

• Program Growth Rate of 370% - [40 students to 189 students in the program]

• 97% Retention Rate

• ISSMA Gold Recipients

• Grissom Blues Jazz Director

• Washington D.C. Trip Coordinator

• Tri-M Music Honor Society Coordinator

  • 1. • Teaching and Instruction:
         - Provided individualized instruction to students based on their skill level, learning style, and needs.
         - Taught students proper technique, posture, and breathing exercises specific to their instrument.
         - Helped students develop a repertoire of songs and exercises to build their skills and confidence.
         - Utilized the National Standards for Music Education to set curriculum and scaffold concepts for tiered learning.
         - Graded with rubrics based on skill development, individual improvement, and concept achievement. 

       • Conducting and Ensemble Rehearsals:
         - Conducted rehearsals and helped students understand their roles within the cohesive ensemble.
         - Chose appropriate and challenging repertoire that was engaging and brought joy through accomplishment.
         - Helped students learn to actively listen and blend their sound within the ensemble's sound. 

       • Performances:

- Organized and oversaw performance opportunities, such as concerts, festivals, and competitions.

- Arranged for guest clinicians, providing students with additional learning and performance opportunities.

- Encouraged participation in extracurricular activities, such as honor bands, chamber works, and community organizations.

• • 1. • Assessment and Feedback:
         - Assessed student progress regularly through playing checks, quizzes, and other assessments.
         - Created instruction-based "high, medium, and low" groupings for data tracking, achievement ranges, and student growth
         - Provided constructive feedback to students on musical development.
         - Worked with students individually and in small groups to address specific areas of improvement and offer guidance.

       • Classroom Management and Discipline:
         - Established and enforced classroom rules and procedures that promoted a positive and engaging learning environment.
         - Addressed student behavior issues using a combination of positive reinforcement and appropriate consequences.
         - Fostered a sense of respect and cooperation among students, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support.

       • Communication with Parents and Administrators:
         - Communicated regularly with parents about their child's progress and involvement in the program.
         - Issued a weekly newsletter that celebrated student success, established communication, and showcased upcoming items.
         - Worked closely with admin and staff to coordinate activities, budgeting, scheduling, repair, recruitment, and other logistics.

       • Advocacy for Music Education:
         - Advocated for the importance of music education in the school community and beyond.
         - Promoted the value of music education in developing students' creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and self-discipline.
         - Collaborated with school administrators and community organizations to support and strengthen music comprehensively.
         
         

VANDERCOOK COLLEGE OF MUSIC
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT, 2012 - 2014, Chicago, IL

• Designed and Implemented Educational Music Technology Courses for Music Education Undergraduates (PBL Based)

  1. 1. 1. 1. • Specific Teaching Assistantship Duties
                - Assisted faculty members in preparing course materials, lectures, and assignments for music technology courses.
                - Collaborated with faculty members and other graduate students on research projects and publications.
                - Facilitated lab sessions, workshops, and tutorials on music production, recording, sound design, and digital composition.
                - Provided one-on-one assistance to students, offering technical support and guidance as needed.
                - Provided feedback and constructive criticism for projects and performances, improving their technical and artistic skills.
                - Engaged in scholarly activities related to music technology: conducting research, writing papers, and presentations.