John Speers
Oakland,CA
Summary
Innovative Music Director with background in building instrumental music programs, directing musical performances, coordinating rehearsals, and overseeing music selection. Strengths include fostering creative environments, developing talent, and maintaining high artistic standards.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Director and Founder
Lamorinda Community Band (lamorindaband.org)
Lafayette, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit consisting of several musical ensembles (two bands, a string orchestra, and a choir) open to community members of all ages. Starting in January 2023, with just 20 members, our organization has grown to over 150 members.
- Currently, I direct both bands and the string orchestra by selecting repertoire, scheduling weekly rehearsals, and putting on several performances each year.
- Schedule monthly board meetings where we discuss matters such as budgeting, facility rentals, and event planning
Elementary Band and Strings Teacher
Orinda Union School District
Orinda, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Introducing 4th and 5th grade students to the fundamentals of woodwind, brass, and string playing, instrument anatomy, following a conductor, and the importance of daily practice to improve skills.
- Preparing students for public performances, and instilling a lasting enthusiasm for future musical endeavors.
TK-4 General Music Teacher
Lafayette School District
Lafayette, CA
- Designing music lesson plans that fit with state-adopted standards and also meet the individual needs of students.
- Introducing students to the world of music: rhythm, singing, reading music, experiencing different musical instruments, learning music history, and listening to the many different genres of music.
- Preparing students for public performances and instilling a lasting enthusiasm for future musical endeavors.
5th Grade Chorus Teacher
Lafayette School District
Lafayette, CA
- Introducing 5th grade students to concepts related to the voice, such as vocal anatomy, music theory, solfege, pitch, reading music, following a conductor, and blending together as a group.
- Preparing chorus students for public performances and instilling a lasting enthusiasm for future choral endeavors.
5th Grade Band Teacher
Lafayette School District
Lafayette, CA
- Introducing 5th grade students to the fundamentals of woodwind, brass, and percussion playing, instrument anatomy, reading music, following a conductor, and the importance of daily practice to improve skills.
- Preparing students for public performances and instilling a lasting enthusiasm for future band endeavors.
Student Teacher
Bancroft Middle School
San Leandro, CA
- Deeply involved in the band, strings, and jazz band classes as a co-instructor.
- Learned many necessary skills to be an effective music teacher: patience, flexibility, structured order, enthusiasm, motivation, and goal awareness.
Woodwind and Brass Coach
Stanley Middle School
Lafayette, CA
- Assisted and coached the woodwind and brass sections in all the bands at Stanley Middle School.
Woodwind and Brass Coach
Acalanes High School
Lafayette, CA
- Assisted and coached the woodwind and brass sections in all the Acalanes High School bands.
Woodwind and Brass Coach
Miramonte High School
Orinda, CA
- Assisted and coached the woodwind and brass sections in all the Miramonte High School bands.
Private Woodwind and Brass Instructor
Lamorinda Music Store
Lafayette, CA
- Providing private, weekly 30-60 minute lessons to many students of various ages and skill levels in the East Bay Community.
- Preparing students for their school band class, performances, and auditions.
Performer
Freelance Musician
Bay Area, CA
- Freelance performer in Bay Area Orchestras, Weddings, Parties, Church Services, etc.
Principal Oboe
San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra
San Francisco, CA
Principal Oboe
Young People's Symphony Orchestra
Berkeley, CA
- Featured soloist (Mozart Oboe Concerto) on 2006 China Tour: Performances in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.
Education
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Music
St. Mary's College
Moraga, CA05.2016
Masters Degree - Music Performance
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
San Francisco, CA05.2015
BA - Music
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI05.2011
High School Diploma -
Miramonte High School
Orinda, CA06.2007
Skills
- Woodwind, brass, string, and percussion coaching
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Working with a variety of musical software
- Marketing
- Fundraising
- Music arrangement
- Conducting ensembles
- Curriculum design
- Performance preparation
- Event planning
- Community engagement
- Student assessment
- Budget management
- Music theory
Timeline
Music Director and Founder
Lamorinda Community Band (lamorindaband.org)
01.2023 - Current
Elementary Band and Strings Teacher
Orinda Union School District
08.2022 - Current
TK-4 General Music Teacher
Lafayette School District
5th Grade Chorus Teacher
Lafayette School District
5th Grade Band Teacher
Lafayette School District
Student Teacher
Bancroft Middle School
Woodwind and Brass Coach
Stanley Middle School
Woodwind and Brass Coach
Acalanes High School
Woodwind and Brass Coach
Miramonte High School
Private Woodwind and Brass Instructor
Lamorinda Music Store
Performer
Freelance Musician
Principal Oboe
San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra
Principal Oboe
Young People's Symphony Orchestra
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Music
St. Mary's College
Masters Degree - Music Performance
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
BA - Music
University of Michigan
High School Diploma -
Miramonte High School
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