Helen Rothfuss
Columbia,Missouri
Summary
Creative Elementary Music Teacher accomplished in designing and implementing diverse music lessons for students aged 5-11. Dedicated and passionate professional with expertise in directing and choreographing musicals, performances and talent shows. In-depth knowledge of instructional theories and practices and Orff-Schulwerk and other instruments.
Overview
57
57
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Teacher
St. Peter And Paul Catholic School
Boonville, MO
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, composition, melody, harmony.
- Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
- Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history and performance etiquette.
- Advised parents of student progress by communicating student's achievements and developing methods for improvement.
- Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument's sound and shape.
- Coached students to play various songs and jingles on recorders and Orff instruments.
General Music Specialist
Clark County Public Schools
Las Vegas, NV
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Present engaging lessons and coursework geared toward reaching students with various learning strengths.
- Update parents, colleagues and administrators of curriculum plans and student progress against targets to maintain open and clear communication with all involved parties.
- Coordinate concerts and special events and music exams for 850+ students.
- Maintain student records and evaluate each pupil's musical growth, performance and musical understanding.
Piano Lab Instructor/Music Teacher
Quincy Public Schools
Quincy, IL
08.2017 - 07.2019
- Coached students to play various songs and jingles on piano.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo,, beats, compositions and chords.
- Maintained student records and evaluated each pupil's musical growth, performance and musical understanding.
- Led students in playing simple ensemble songs with Orff instruments, movement activities.
- Showed students how to play recorder, Orff instruments and piano.
Organist/Choirmaster
Trinity Episcopal Church
Hannibal, MO
10.2016 - 07.2019
- Selected and led the congregation in hymns and praise songs, choosing from different genres of sacred music
- Played for funerals, weddings and special occasions
- Recruited soloists and instrumental performers for select performances and conduct annual Messiah sing-a-long
- Worked with church leadership and members to select music and plan performances
- Played for morning worship services on the organ and piano
Associate Faculty
John Wood Community College
Quincy, Illinois, United States
10.2015 - 07.2017
- Selected appropriate materials to support student learning needs
- Taught four undergraduate classes per semester on music appreciation, development of piano skills, private piano lessons
- Integrated technology into classroom instruction for a well-rounded and modern approach
- Tracked student assignments, attendance and test scores
- Distributed course syllabus and answered student questions regarding standards, material, grading and progression
Music Teacher
St. Peter's Catholic School
Washington, D.C.
11.2013 - 07.2014
- Planned lessons to increase student musical skills and support musical objectives of Archdiocese of Washington, D.C
- Led student performances at school Masses, school plays and school
Organist/Choirmaster
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
McLean, VA
09.2011 - 06.2014
- Met with Rectors bi-weekly for music planning purposes and met with soloists to discuss and prepare for musical participation in church services
- Prepared music for all worship services and practiced several hours per week on organ/piano to maintain and improve technical skills
- Conducted weekly rehearsals for St. Dunstan's traditional and Spirit choirs
- Learned performance pieces thoroughly to provide best possible accompaniment
- Collaborated with instrumental and vocal performers to determine desired sound for worship services
- Performed pieces on organ and piano for special occasions, funerals and weddings
Music Teacher
Arlington County Public Schools
Arlington, VA
08.2000 - 07.2012
- Taught general music classes to grades preK-5. Prepared and directed student concerts and musical productions, and assisted instrumental instructors in classroom and performance settings
- Attended professional development workshops to broaden and deepen knowledge of content and teaching skills
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs
- Served on School Music Curriculum Committee to adapt musical standards of Arlington County to National Standards for Music Educators
- Assisted in after-school tutoring program to teach under-privileged students
Minister of Music
All Saints Episcopal Church
Alexandria, VA
01.2001 - 09.2011
- Selected music carefully in monthly meetings with the Rector in order to achieve a balance of musical styles for all church services
- Weekly rehearsals with Senior Choir and Children's Choir, selecting appropriate music from a variety of musical genres
- Selected and arranged music for church holiday performances and special events
- Accompanied morning worship services on the organ and piano
- Recruited and rehearsed with vocal and instrumental soloists for worship services
Assistant Music Director and Organist
First Presbyterian Church
Arlington, VA
11.1985 - 12.2000
- Selected and arranged music for church choral ensemble for holiday services and special events.
- Accompanied morning worship services on the organ.
- Met bi-weekly with Director of Music and Senior Pastor to select hymns and other service music.
- Directed 8:30 choral ensemble, handbell choir and children's choir.
- Worked with instrumental and vocal soloists and ensembles to prepare music for worship services.
Music Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Springfield, VA
11.1993 - 07.2000
- Planned, implemented, monitored, and assessed general music lessons for grades 1 - 6 in accordance with the Fairfax County Public Schools Program of Studies for Music Education and with the objectives of the National Standards for Music Educators.
- Collaborated with faculty to prepare special events to reinforce grade-level standards throughout the school year.
- Directed choral and recorder ensembles in concerts and community events.
Education
Master of Arts - Music Education - Emphasis Organ Performance
Catholic University of America
1995
Bachelor of Science - Music Education - Emphasis Piano Performance
University of Missouri-Columbia
1978
Skills
- Very strong skills on piano and organ
- Experience with variety of choral and instrumental sacred music genres
- Strong background in liturgical music and Mass structure
- Strong collaborator and good communicator
- Plan varied repertoire for church services
- Strong Interpersonal skills
- Effective time management
Affiliations
- Vice President, President and Past President of Middle Atlantic Chapter of American-Orff Schulwerk Association.
- Former Dean of Great River Heritage Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Timeline
Music Teacher
St. Peter And Paul Catholic School
08.2020 - 05.2022
General Music Specialist
Clark County Public Schools
07.2019 - 07.2020
Piano Lab Instructor/Music Teacher
Quincy Public Schools
08.2017 - 07.2019
Organist/Choirmaster
Trinity Episcopal Church
10.2016 - 07.2019
Associate Faculty
John Wood Community College
10.2015 - 07.2017
Music Teacher
St. Peter's Catholic School
11.2013 - 07.2014
Organist/Choirmaster
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
09.2011 - 06.2014
Minister of Music
All Saints Episcopal Church
01.2001 - 09.2011
Music Teacher
Arlington County Public Schools
08.2000 - 07.2012
Music Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
11.1993 - 07.2000
Assistant Music Director and Organist
First Presbyterian Church
11.1985 - 12.2000
Master of Arts - Music Education - Emphasis Organ Performance
Catholic University of America
Bachelor of Science - Music Education - Emphasis Piano Performance
University of Missouri-Columbia
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