Dan Suniga
Austin
Summary
Dynamic music educator with extensive experience at Del Valle High School, excelling in rehearsal coordination and technology integration. Proven track record in elevating student performance through innovative curriculum development and effective recruitment efforts. Committed to fostering a safe, positive learning environment while preparing students for auditions and competitions.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Band Director
Del Valle High School
Del Valle
09.2024 - Current
- Conducted daily rehearsals for concert and marching bands.
- Developed curriculum for music theory and instrumental techniques.
- Organized performances and competitions throughout the academic year.
- Mentored students in individual and group performance skills.
- Prepared students for auditions or competitions by providing guidance on repertoire selection.
- Verified student eligibility, established performance requirements, and monitored student educational standings.
- Incorporated technology into rehearsal sessions including recording software and digital instruments.
Assistant Band Director
Kaufman Independent School District
01.2022 - Current
- Choreographed performances for marching band and colorguard, focusing on synchronization and creativity.
- Elevated student performance by refining band and colorguard programs.
- Selecting contest music and instructing fundamentals of dance and theatrics
- Designing costumes, flags, and props to enhance performances
- Introduced tech enhancements for improved music instruction and coordination.
- Managed budgets and logistics for student events and travel, ensuring smooth execution and compliance.
- Analyzed performance data to optimize band routines and colorguard choreography.
Colorguard Director, Marching Band Designer
Carter Riverside High School, Lyford High School
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Directed and instructed the Colorguard program in recruiting, instruction, and selection of show concept and music.
- Elevated Colorguard program, boosting recruitment and retention by innovative show designs.
- Collaborated with team to create innovative show concepts and design elements that engaged audiences.
- Assisted marching band with choreography and marching technique to enhance performance quality.
Long Term Substitute, Band and Colorguard
Kaufman Independent School District
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Pioneered comprehensive training system for Colorguard, establishing clear performance benchmarks and improving overall team proficiency.
- Enhanced high school marching band show design and production
- Aligned secondary band curriculum with technology integration to enhance student learning.
- Instructed beginner band classes with enthusiasm and detail-focused approach
- Coordinated with faculty to integrate tech in music curriculum, enriching learning.
- Introduced digital tools for music instruction that significantly increased student engagement.
- Streamlined beginner band classes, ensuring consistent instructional quality.
Assistant Band Director
Sherman Independent School District
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Assist and instruct high school marching band in marching technique straight leg, movement, dance, choreography, conditioning, theatrics, and improvisation.
- Direct the 40+ member Colorguard and Winter Guard programs in the following areas: recruiting/retention, instruction, student fees, coordination of travel, contest hosting, and parent communication.
- Instructed and conducted Non Varsity concert ensemble, enhancing student understanding of standard high school literature.
- Collaborated with administration, staff, and community stakeholders to support and promote band initiatives.
- Work as team member with alignment of secondary band curriculum and scope & sequence for secondary instrumental music program with a focus in technology.
- Managed inventory and budgets while coordinating fundraising efforts to support program growth and visibility.
Associate Band Director
Weatherford Independent School District
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Oversaw and instructed high school marching band in marching technique, movement, dance, choreography, conditioning, theatrics, and improvisation, enhancing performance quality and student engagement.
- Oversaw marching band design and production, coordinating concept and music selection.
- Directed 50+ member Colorguard and Winter Guard programs, focusing on recruiting/retention, instruction, student assessments, travel coordination, contest hosting, and parent communication to foster a supportive environment.
- Managed inventory and budgets, coordinated fundraising, selected contest music for state and national levels (NTCA and WGI), designed costume and flag programs, created props, and mentored support staff to ensure program success.
- Instruct and conduct Non Varsity concert ensemble on standard high school literature including grades IV-V.
- Work closely with administration, high school staff, parent organizations, student organizations, booster club, media, web designer and community leaders.
- Work as team member with alignment of secondary band curriculum and scope & sequence for secondary instrumental music program with a focus in technology.
Assistant Band Director
Richardson Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Instruct and conduct Sub-Non Varsity concert ensemble on standard high school literature.
- Instruct and conduct beginner Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion pedagogy on standard beginner literature in a diverse environment.
- Oversaw and instructed high school marching band in marching technique, movement, dance, choreography, conditioning, theatrics, and improvisation to enhance performance quality.
- Oversaw marching band design and production, coordinating concept and music selection.
- Administered meetings for drill writers, music arrangers, parents, and boosters to coordinate show production, promotion, and prop designs.
- Work closely with administration, high school staff, parent organizations, student organizations, booster club, media, web designer and community leaders.
- Work as team member with alignment of secondary band curriculum and scope & sequence for secondary instrumental music program with a focus in technology.
- Directed Colorguard and Winter Guard programs focusing on recruitment, instruction, assessments, contest hosting, parent communication, inventory management, budgeting, fundraising, public relations, and choreography across various dance genres.
Assistant Band Director
Belton Independent School District
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Instruct and conduct Sub-Non Varsity concert ensemble on standard high school literature.
- Assisted with instruction of high school marching band in marching fundamentals, drills, show music, and stand music.
- Collaborated with administration, parents, and community leaders to enhance program support.
- Worked as a lead team member of marching show design and visual production.
- Contributed to planning and alignment of secondary band curriculum and scope & sequence for instrumental music program.
- Instructed Colorguard and Winter Guard programs, leading to participation in 2010 WGI World Championship.
- Directed and implemented the Jazz Studies program in community and contest performances, improvisation, music history, theory, and jazz styles.
Education
Bachelorʼs of Music Education -
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Belton, TX12-2024
Masterʼs of Music Education -
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX05-2023
Skills
- Rehearsal coordination
- Performance assessment
- Audition preparation
- Curriculum development
- Technology integration
- Student engagement
- Safe, positive learning environment
References
- Gerardo Loya, gloya@kaufman-isd.net, 432-251-7374
- Darwert Johnson, darwertjohnson@misdmail.org, 903-245-1129
- Barbara Lambrecht, lambrechtr@aol.com, 915-433-6451
- Brad Kent, bkent@uiltexas.org, 214-642-0073
Certification
Texas All Level Music Certification, 2006 - 2030
Personal Information
Title: Band Director
Additional Experience
Guard Instructor, Choreographer, Production Designer, Kaufman High School, 2019, Present, Carter Riverside High School, 2019, 2022, Grapevine High School, 2017, 2019, Castleberry High School, 2018, 2018, S & S High School, 2019, 2020, Production Designer, Lyford High School, 2019, 2023, Marching Band/ Concert Band Clinician and Substitute, Grapevine High School, 2017, 2019, Guard Founder and Director, Evolution Independent Winterguard, 2016, 2016, Guard Technician, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, 2011, 2011, Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps, 2015, 2016, Colts Drum and Bugle Corps, 2012, 2012, Guard Educational and Design Staff, TXi Independent Winterguard, 2011, 2012, Guard Caption Head, Forte Drum and Bugle Corps, 2012, 2012, Vigilantes Drum and Bugle Corps, 2010, 2010, Private Lesson Instructor (Trumpet), The University of Mary Hardin Baylor Conservatory Music Program, 2001, 2007, Belton Independent School District, 2006, 2007, USBands, Visual, Music Analysis, General Effect, Colorguard, 2011, Present, TCGCJA, General Effect, Design Analysis, 2014, 2016
Timeline
Associate Band Director
Del Valle High School
09.2024 - Current
Assistant Band Director
Kaufman Independent School District
01.2022 - Current
Long Term Substitute, Band and Colorguard
Kaufman Independent School District
01.2021 - 01.2022
Colorguard Director, Marching Band Designer
Carter Riverside High School, Lyford High School
01.2018 - 01.2023
Assistant Band Director
Sherman Independent School District
01.2018 - 01.2019
Associate Band Director
Weatherford Independent School District
01.2016 - 01.2017
Assistant Band Director
Richardson Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2016
Assistant Band Director
Belton Independent School District
01.2007 - 01.2011
Bachelorʼs of Music Education -
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Masterʼs of Music Education -
Southern Methodist University