Teacher

At the University of Kansas, I currently serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with roles that have me working with the Kansas University Marching Jayhawks and assisting with Undergraduate Conducting courses.

From 2021 - 2024, I served as the Head Band Director at Clay Center Community Middle School and the Assistant Band Director at the CCC High School. In this position, I taught 6 - 8 bands and a HS music technology class. Additionally, I assisted with the HS band and 5th-grade beginning band.

In addition to teaching in schools, I have maintained a private lessons studio with brass students of various ages and ability levels.

Conductor

As of the Fall of 2024, I have begun a Masters of Music in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Kansas, under the tutelage of Dr. Matthew Smith. In addition to private study, I am a guest conductor with the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and University Band.

Previous experiences as a conductor include my years of service as a band director in Clay Center, KS, serving as the assistant director of the Clay Center Municipal Band, and conducting the Little Apple Horn Choir in Manhattan, KS.

Leadership

I define leadership as inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves. At KSU, I served in a variety of leadership roles This includes serving as President of the Tau Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha, a member of the Student Staff with the KSU Marching Band, and helping organize student input on KSU School of Music, Theatre, & Dance COVID-19 re-opening guidelines.

During my teaching career, I maintained an active leadership team through both the High School and Middle School band programs. Additionally, I served on the district recruitment and retention team, focused on maintaining a strong staff throughout the district.

I also aspire to be a leader in the field of music education. I accomplish this through the production of my podcast, Not Your Forte, a Music Education podcast aimed at preparing music education students for their professional careers. Through this podcast, I have reached an international audience and made connections with master educators around the world.