Teaching Samples and Portfolio

Band Teaching Philosophy

I believe a strong band program is built on culture, consistency, and high expectations. Students thrive when they are both supported and challenged, so I prioritize clear fundamentals, purposeful rehearsal strategies, and personal accountability. Excellence is not an accident, it is the result of daily habits. While performances and adjudicated festivals provide meaningful goals and moments of pride, the true measure of success is steady musical and personal growth. My aim is to develop independent musicians who think critically, prepare intentionally, and contribute positively to the collective sound.

Equally important is fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and motivated to belong. I am committed to programming diverse and meaningful repertoire, removing barriers to participation, and collaborating with colleagues to build a cohesive, supportive music culture. Beyond technical skill and performance achievement, I strive to cultivate lifelong musicians who genuinely love music — students who continue to play, listen, attend concerts, and seek out musical experiences long after they leave the band room. When students leave my program, I want them to carry not only strong musical skills, but also confidence, discipline, and a lasting connection to music that enriches their lives.

Jazz Band

I have extensive experience directing jazz ensembles at multiple levels, including auditioned and non-auditioned groups. My approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, stylistic authenticity, and the development of improvisation skills through structured, scaffolded instruction. I program a wide range of traditional and contemporary repertoire and regularly prepare ensembles for regional festivals and adjudicated performances. In addition to ensemble direction, I teach jazz theory, phrasing, listening skills, and solo development, helping students build both technical confidence and creative voice within the jazz tradition.

Festivals attended: Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, John Mowad CWU Jazz Festival, Possession Sound Jazz Festival,

Wind Band

I have led concert bands at both auditioned and non-auditioned level. My approach centers on developing strong individual fundamentals while cultivating a cohesive, characteristic ensemble sound. I prioritize tone quality, balance, blend, rhythmic precision, and musical phrasing through intentional, goal-oriented rehearsal techniques. I program a diverse range of repertoire, including works by underrepresented composers, and regularly prepare ensembles for adjudicated festivals and community performances. Through this process, students develop technical proficiency, musical literacy, and the discipline and collaboration necessary for high-level ensemble performance.

Festivals attended: CWU WindFest, PLU Band Invitational, Northwest Regional Concert Band Festival sponsored by Music For All, SKMEA Regional Concert Band Festival