Teaching Values

My goal as a teacher is to provide students with as many positive musical experience as I can throughout their 6 years of band. Their development as musicians should also reflect their development as responsible and kind-hearted people. 

 Students need to feel accepted for who they are and see themselves as a vital part of the band program. Through this, students can invest more of their time and energy into bettering themselves and the ensemble as a whole. Every single student matters.

The health and safety of my students is always at the forefront of every decision I make. I tailor all of my curriculum in 6th-8th grade to better fundamental skills and techniques that upperclassmen appear to struggle with the most. 

I understand the importance of good grades in relation to UIL and post-high school events. I will help students make a plan and get the help they need.

Rome was not built in a day, and neither will student technique and sound quality. I prioritize the development of technique from day one of 6th grade through the last day of senior year. Most percussion techniques are transferrable between instruments and allow for consistency of sound regardless of performance setting.

In all of my classrooms, I utilize Frank Chapple's "The Packet" as my go-to method book. Students learn fundamental rhythms, stickings, and scales from this book in 6th grade and continue to develop, add variations, and expand their "musical tool belt" with it until they graduate from the program. For supplemental materials, I often turn to Mark Wessels' "A Fresh Approach to..." series and other exercises that I have written out over the last few years.

I may be a percussion specialist, but I love learning new things! Recently, I've experimented a lot with trombone and flute but enjoy playing the clarinet the most. I'm more than happy getting out of my comfort zone and not only playing these instruments, but also teaching fundamental techniques for them as well. Pictured above is my very limited experience with string technique and pedagogy but it sure is fun to try!

For my students, I like to emphasize the importance of learning new skills, techniques, and hobbies to encourage uncomfortability inside and outside of the music classroom. By pushing boundaries, they're more likely to be exposed to meaningful musical experiences and maybe find a new interest along the way!