Mary Lou Kellis
Spring,TX
Summary
Dedicated educator specializing in student engagement and collaborative music initiatives. Proven track record in enhancing orchestra performance through strategic direction and diverse repertoire selection.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Orchestra Director
Alief Independent School District
Spring, Texas
08.2006 - Current
- Scheduled regular meetings with students to discuss performance goals and progress towards those goals.
- Collaborated with other school faculty members to coordinate musical activities with other academic subjects such as math or science.
- Selected repertoire based on skill levels of orchestra members, instrumentation, and availability of sheet music.
- Promoted upcoming concerts through social media outlets, radio stations, newspapers.
- Coordinated auditions for new musicians to join the orchestra group.
- Implemented strategies designed to motivate students who lacked enthusiasm during practice sessions.
- Encouraged creative expression among orchestra members while maintaining control over rehearsals.
- Planned educational trips for orchestra members to attend live performances by professional orchestras or ensembles.
- Attended conferences related to orchestral conducting techniques in order to stay abreast of current trends.
- Researched new music pieces that would be appropriate for the group's level of expertise.
- Directed performances in both formal and informal settings such as concerts, festivals, competitions, and special events.
- Directed rehearsals to achieve tonal and harmonic balance.
Orchestra Teacher
New Orleans Public Schools
New Orleans, Louisiana
09.1985 - 08.2005
- Developed comprehensive orchestra curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Conducted daily rehearsals to enhance student musical performance and teamwork.
- Organized community performances to showcase student talent and foster engagement.
- Mentored students in instrument technique and music theory concepts.
- Coordinated instrument maintenance and inventory for school orchestra program.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions.
- Provided feedback on musical pieces performed during lessons or rehearsals.
- Integrated technology into the classroom to enhance learning experiences for students.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, lesson plans, and grades.
- Encouraged student participation in music-related extracurricular activities such as festivals and competitions.
- Prepared students for concerts, recitals, and competitions by providing individualized instruction in instrumental technique and ensemble performance.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians regarding their child's progress in orchestra classes.
- Developed and implemented innovative music curriculum to meet the needs of students.
- Supervised students during practice sessions outside of class time.
- Mentored younger teachers in the development of their skillset related to teaching orchestra classes.
- Instructed students on music theory concepts such as scales, chords, notation, dynamics, tempo markings.
- Attended professional conferences to stay abreast of current trends in music education.
- Assisted in planning special events such as school assemblies, holiday concerts, and fundraisers.
- Talked with students needing extra attention and made plans to assist with problems.
- Planned and updated curricula and lesson plans to continuously improve subject coverage.
- Differentiated instruction for students with wide range of skill and interest levels.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Educator In Instrumental Music
University Of New Orleans
New Orleans Louisiana05-1985
Skills
- Orchestral conducting
- Repertoire selection
- Student motivation
- Audition coordination
- Performance direction
- Collaboration skills
Timeline
Orchestra Director
Alief Independent School District
08.2006 - Current
Orchestra Teacher
New Orleans Public Schools
09.1985 - 08.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Music Educator In Instrumental Music
University Of New Orleans