James Polana
Pawtucket
Summary
Experienced teaching under many different programs with different demands. Understand deadlines and to focus on results for the section to be taught at the time. Can and will tailor teaching methods to ensure maximum growth from students while prioritizing health and safety.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Drumline Technician
University of Rhode Island
08.2021 - Current
- Creation and implementation of technique program for entire Drumline
- Teaching and growing cymbal technique/culture
- Designing multi year goals for the growth of the groups musical and visual abilities
- Writing of Drumline Scores to align with music as well as repertoire goals that year
- Organizing, scheduling, and aligning staff with group goals
- Teaching Visual Technique to band and Drumline
Cymbal/Lead Audio Visual Technician
Cranston High School East
12.2016 - 04.2018
-Taught cymbal technique and aided technique for rest of drumline
- Aided in creation and teaching of visual program
- Currently back for the 2025 season
Bass/Visual Technician
Bishop Hendriken High School
12.2015 - 04.2019
- Taught Bass technique and assisted in technique program for rest of drumline
- Led visual and full ensemble rehearsals
- Aided in show design and creation of visual program
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Unviersity of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI12-2020
Skills
- - Can multitask under pressure
- - Can teach within deadlines
- - Understands the impact of the small section on the whole ensemble
- - Able to teach in multiple ways to aid each student
- - Have been a student, a teacher, a caption head, and admin so I understand how we all impact one another
- - Prioritize health: After teaching cymbals for a long time I can spot the difference between pain from playing or risk of injury pain
- - Flexible to different teaching environments
- - Have consistent technique program with warmups in mind
Accomplishments
Marched 15,16,18 at 7th Regimen 19, 20 at Pacific Crest
Won best percussion with Trumbull HS in 2017
Timeline
Head Drumline Technician
University of Rhode Island
08.2021 - Current
Cymbal/Lead Audio Visual Technician
Cranston High School East
12.2016 - 04.2018
Bass/Visual Technician
Bishop Hendriken High School
12.2015 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Unviersity of Rhode Island