Darren McFate
Newmarket,MD
Summary
Dedicated music educator known for cultural sensitivity and leadership in diverse settings. Expertise in curriculum development and student performance coordination, driving engagement and fostering artistic growth in students.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Teacher
Howard County Public School System
Columbia, MD
08.2017 - Current
- Conducted orchestra lessons to enhance musical skills and provide cultural enrichment in a disadvantaged area.
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans to address the varied learning needs of students across multiple competency levels.
- Implemented strategies to create a positive classroom culture, promoting both individual student progress and collaborative learning experiences.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of student progress and delivered timely feedback to support academic growth.
- Organized and coordinated student performances at multiple venues to enhance artistic exposure.
Director of Music and Worship
Immanuel's Church
Silver Spring MD
07.2006 - 07.2017
- Curated and led worship services, blending multiple musical styles to elevate congregation participation and connection.
- Curated and facilitated music programs that showcased the diverse generational and ethnic backgrounds of a congregation with representation from over 60 nations.
- Managed volunteer musician and vocalist recruitment and training programs to cultivate talent and improve performance quality.
- Partnered with pastoral staff to curate and enhance worship experiences, ensuring consistency across multiple platforms.
- Assisted in directing adult choir and children's choir activities. Supported drama and dance programs through coordination and oversight. Facilitated rehearsals and performances for various groups.
- Directed large-scale theatrical musical productions, overseeing coordination of hundreds of volunteer and paid musicians, dancers, and actors.
High School Music Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax, VA
08.2001 - 06.2006
- Led intermediate and advanced orchestras at middle and high school levels, fostering musical excellence.
- Achieved mastery in advanced musical repertoire through rigorous curriculum engagement.
- Orchestrated and executed travel arrangements for ensembles to facilitate competitive participation across the continental U.S.
- Coordinated efforts with colleagues and parents to ensure comprehensive support for every student.
High School Instrumental Music Teacher
Fox Chapel Area High School
Pittsburgh, PA
08.1994 - 06.2001
- Developed and instituted a dynamic instrumental music curriculum aligned with state standards, fostering musical skills and creativity.
- Led and organized rehearsals and performances for marching band, concert band, orchestra, and jazz band, emphasizing skill development and mastery.
- Designed and implemented curriculum for piano classes, AP Music Theory, and Music Technology courses.
- Organized and supported local community events, showcasing talent of performing ensembles.
- Oversaw curriculum development and event planning within the music department to support student learning and community involvement.
Education
Master of Arts - Music Education And Conducting
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA06-2000
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Rochester, NY05-1989
Skills
Experienced foster parent, Pittsburgh, PA (5 years)
Dedicated caregiver for three adopted children
Experienced foster parent, Montgomery County, MD (5 years)
Volunteer support for underserved youth programs, Pittsburgh, PA
Timeline
Middle School Teacher
Howard County Public School System
08.2017 - Current
Director of Music and Worship
Immanuel's Church
07.2006 - 07.2017
High School Music Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2001 - 06.2006
High School Instrumental Music Teacher
Fox Chapel Area High School
08.1994 - 06.2001
Master of Arts - Music Education And Conducting
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester