Ottie West
Murfreesboro,TN
Summary
An experienced and dedicated educator with over 10,000 hours of investment within the field of music education. Able to foster long-term student growth and success through a program that challenges every student to be their best. Committed to lifelong learning and professional development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Band Director
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
07.2022 - Current
- Recruit, retain, and develop young musicians within the band program.
- Founded the first continuously active jazz program at WBMS.
- Established and manage a successful in-school private lessons program for student members within the band program.
- Promote student involvement in various activities sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association in addition to district-level opportunities.
- Coordinate, manage, and develop programs, activities, and opportunities for students.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders and partners: recruitment activities with elementary feeders, fostering relationships with community partners such as Amro Music and Joyful Noise Music Academy, and acquisition of sponsors and sufficient funding through fundraising programs.
Music Director
Blanche School
Taft, Tennessee
01.2019 - 06.2022
- Direct the PK-5 elementary music and middle school band programs; organizing and leading various seasonal performances such as Veterans Day, Winter, and Spring concerts.
- Rebuilt the Blanche Band after a rough transition due to a 6-month vacancy of the position prior to my appointment.
- While most band programs in the nation experienced decline in membership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blanche Band grew by nearly 100% and retained 80% of rising 7th graders.
- Despite being the smallest school in the district, averaging 30 students per grade level, the program was consistently the largest in the district per capita (38% of junior high enrolled in the band program).
- Organized various activities to promote student success and involvement: providing practice opportunities in the band room outside of regular class time, coordinating the school talent show, and reviving the school's pep band after many years of inactivity.
Education
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN 01.2023 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Music - Music Education
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN 08.2014 - 12.2018
Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Organization and Logistics
- Budgeting and Finance
- Computer/Office Applications
- Sound and Audio
- Brass Instrument Specialist
- Musical Transcription and Arrangement
Afilliations
- Joyful Noise Music Academy, President
- Middle Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association
Timeline
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Middle Tennessee State University
01.2023 - 05.2024
Band Director
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School
07.2022 - Current
Music Director
Blanche School
01.2019 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Music - Music Education
Tennessee Technological University
08.2014 - 12.2018