Jazz Band
2010-2016
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Jazz Band Director
- Growth: At EGR, ran zero hour, non-class jazz band as a “club”. First year: 15 kids, 2nd year: 25 kids, 3rd and 4th years: 40-50 members. Grew our jazz band instrument inventory which was previously non-existent by purchasing a new drum set, upright electric bass, electric piano and amps.
- Performances / Fundraisers / Festivals: Jazz band performed at Hastings jazz festivals, community events and fundraisers. Performed alongside other professional jazz ensembles such as “Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra” and “Big Band Nouveau” in a joint concert fundraiser in 2016. Also performed with the University of Illinois “Lake Effect” Jazz Combo, in a side-by-side concert.
- Jazz Combos: Facilitated several student-lead jazz combos from members of the jazz band that did community outreach performances and private functions.
- Curriculum: Listening and improvisation was a large component of the curriculum. Students studied and performed with an emphasis on authenticity in a large variety of different styles rooted in jazz.
Laingsburg Jazz Band 2010
2006-2010
Laingsburg Community Schools
Jazz Band Director
Served as the High School Jazz Band Director.
- Selected repertoire, delegated chair placements.
- Rehearsed and performed performance selections
- Instructed jazz improvisation classes. Focused on improvisational techniques and stylistic playing specific to the pieces performed
- Organized trips to see Michigan State University Jazz concerts.
- Participated in Jazz Clinics as park of Magic Kingdom experience.
2004-2016
Calvin College
Jazz Band Director
Over the years, I’ve had lots of opportunities to work with students attending Knollcrest Music Camp as the High School and Middle School Jazz Band Director. My duties included:
- Selected repertoire, delegated chair placements, rehearsed and performed performance selections
- Instructed jazz improvisation classes. Focused on improvisational techniques and stylistic playing specific to the pieces performed
- Assisted with low brass, percussion, woodwind sectionals and substitute-taught composition class
2001-2005
Hartford Public Schools
Jazz Band Director
Served as the High School Jazz Band Director.
- Selected repertoire, delegated chair placements.
- Rehearsed and performed performance selections
- Instructed jazz improvisation classes. Focused on improvisational techniques and stylistic playing specific to the pieces performed
- Organized trips to see Western Michigan University jazz concerts.
- Regularly invited guest clinicians from Western Michigan University: Chris Sargent, Fred Knapp, Raphael Crawford and Greg Wells.
