Cheryl Polk
Silverdale,WA
Summary
Experienced in drama and music education, specializing in teaching music repertoire and music theatre performances. Deliver engaging classroom instruction and implement multimedia strategies to captivate students' interest. Foster excitement for dramatic and literary arts while teaching musical performance techniques. Highly organized approach to orchestrate student productions for seamless musical and dramatic performances. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, a willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills to contribute to team success. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Accomplished piano teacher with 25 years of experience successfully teaching piano, handbells, and handchimes. Innovative and open-minded approach to seek adventure and challenges in teaching methods. Monitor student performance and achievement to create unique lesson plans for each grade level, including adult learners, while effectively overseeing rehearsals. Certifications in General Music, Instrumental, and Choral education validate expertise in this field.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Music Teacher Volunteer
Edgar Poe Classical Gifted Elementary School
02.2023 - 06.2024
- Taught music to primary grades K-2 as part of Arts STEAM Integration Program.
- Organized successful showcasing students talents and hard work.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempos.
- Incorporated creative activities into lessons to engage students and spark interest in music.
Handbell Director
Church of the Good Shepherd
01.2023 - 03.2024
- Lead adult and senior citizen brass handbells and chime ringers at church services and special events.
- Ringers participated in last year Easter Service at Gorham Methodist Church, rang "What Wondrous Love Is This".
- "Tis the Season" Musicians Friends Concert, December 10, 2023, and participated at Edgar Poe Classical Gifted Elementary School Talent Show, December 21, 2023. great love for the art of bell and chime ringing.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Choir Director Volunteer
Chicago Collegiate Charter Middle and High School
11.2022 - 02.2024
- Inspired a love of choral music in students, leading to a increase in choir participation and student retention.
- Provided oversight and administration for family nights. spring and winter music programs.
- Educated students on proper vocal techniques and vocal warm-ups.
- Conducted rehearsals to keep performers prepared for performances.
- Integrated high school choir with Pullman Historical National Park Museum, reflected on lyrics in popular music song about journey of Pullman porters.
- Established strong relationships with local schools and arts organizations to promote collaborative performances and educational opportunities for students.
- Mentored individual choir members, providing personalized guidance on vocal technique, stage presence, and musicianship for improved performance quality.
Music Specialist
Central Kitsap School District #401
08.1991 - 05.2022
- Served as a general music and vocal instructor.
- Enhanced student performance by incorporating music theory, practical skills in lessons through Orff and Kodaly methods.
- Director of afterschool music programs including Junior Chorus 2nd through 3rd grade, Intermediate Choir 4-6th grade, Jazz Choir, and Handchimes Choir
- Directed music plays and music theater performances.
- Coordinated school district's honor choir festival from elementary through high school.
- Cultivated a positive atmosphere within the classroom by recognizing student achievements and celebrating milestones together as a group.
- Designed curriculum to introduce students to variety of styles and cultured.
- Contributed to the school''s overall mission by participating in community outreach events that showcased the value and importance of music education.
Handbell Director
Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church
01.1999 - 01.2018
- Specialized with Middle-High School and Adult-Senior Citizen both Brass Handbells and Chime Ringers.
- Developed high-performing ringing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for musical growth from quartet ringers to 13-member bell ringing groups.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering ringers to voice their ideas.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Elementary Music Specialist
Tracyton Elementary School
09.1993 - 06.1999
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
- Lead students in playing simple songs based on Orff instrumentals.
- Developed daily Kodaly lesson plans to generate interest in vocals, movements and use of classroom instruments.
- Students performed throughout year for parents and school community. I have directed intermediate choir fourth through sixth grades performed in school district's choir festival, school- community performances, and led bellplate instrument group.
- Organized musical equipment thoughtfully to develop classroom routines, managing materials efficiently with minimal lost activity time.
- Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument's sound and shape.
- Organized and collected money and forms for mass group field trips and programs.
- Directed vocal music students in entry-level group songs such as rounds and partner songs.
- Instructed individuals and groups in vocal and dance movements to foster music appreciation and comprehension.
- Administered quizzes and exams to assess student competency levels and develop individual learning plans.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in elementary music education.
- Boosted students'' musical knowledge through the incorporation of diverse instruments and genres.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, and other required documentation for school administration purposes.
Education
Arts STEAM Integration Certification - Arts STEAM Intergration
The Institute For Arts Integration And STEAM
Westminster, MD01.2019
M.D. - Instructional Programs and Curriculum
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ04.2008
Post Graduate Studies in Special Education - Learning Disabilities And Behavior Disorders
National Louis University
Evanston, IL1990
B.A. in Music Education - Piano
Langston University
Langston, OK01.1981
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship Building
- Proficient in Piano, Orff Instruments
- Cross-curricular integration
- School assembly preparations
- Multicultural Music Appreciation
- Classroom Management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Group and individual instruction
- Music Theory
- Special needs accommodation
Certification
- Arts Integration Specialist Certification, 2019-present, Education Closet
- Washington State Certification, K-12 General, Choral & Instrumental Music, K-12 Special Education
Additional Information
Central Kitsap Black History Celebration Committee and Building Representative-2015-2019,
Central Kitsap Vocal Department Honor Choir Chairperson and Coordinator-2011-2019
Central Kitsap School District level events includes teacher appreciations and retirement events, piano accompaniment for elementary and secondary school performances and honor choir.
Affiliations
- American Choral Directors Association
- American Guild of English Handbell Ringers
- National Association for Music Education
- Washington Educators Association
Education-Related Courses
- ARTS Integration Certificate Program, 2018-2019, Foundations of Arts Integration-Curriculum Map Process, Arts Integration Lessons and Assessments, Connecting with Other Initiatives-Professional Development Session
- Super Power STEAM Skills, 2017
- Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab, 2015-2016
References
Linda Greene
(360)-271-2426
Tieshia Robinson
(346) 664-1048
Kim Schieb
(360) 509-4596
Rev. Jesse Knox
(773) 827-1872
Integrated Arts Experience
In the classroom and in the community, I provide clear and precise instruction through an arts integrated and non-arts curriculum. Through Target Arts Grants, students had the opportunity to attend live performances. Ukulele Performance-Admiral Theater. Celebrations of Native American Night, African-American Night and Asian Pacific Night in the Central Kitsap School District. Elementary Musical Theater. There have been two productions of 101 Dalmatian and Willy Wonka KIDS, as well as Annie, FAME and Aladdin music theater productions.
Awards
- Admiral Theater Community Youth Program Foundation Award, 30 Ukuleles for HEJP General Music Curriculum, 2016
- Paul Linder Foundation Grant, Hand Chimes, 2002
- Golden Acorn PTA Award, 2005
- Target Arts Field Trip Grants, 2005
- Target Arts Field Trip Grants, 2009-2014
Timeline
Music Teacher Volunteer
Edgar Poe Classical Gifted Elementary School
02.2023 - 06.2024
Handbell Director
Church of the Good Shepherd
01.2023 - 03.2024
Choir Director Volunteer
Chicago Collegiate Charter Middle and High School
11.2022 - 02.2024
Handbell Director
Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church
01.1999 - 01.2018
Elementary Music Specialist
Tracyton Elementary School
09.1993 - 06.1999
Music Specialist
Central Kitsap School District #401
08.1991 - 05.2022
Arts STEAM Integration Certification - Arts STEAM Intergration
The Institute For Arts Integration And STEAM
M.D. - Instructional Programs and Curriculum
University of Phoenix
Post Graduate Studies in Special Education - Learning Disabilities And Behavior Disorders
National Louis University
B.A. in Music Education - Piano
Langston University
- Arts Integration Specialist Certification, 2019-present, Education Closet
- Washington State Certification, K-12 General, Choral & Instrumental Music, K-12 Special Education
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