When I first started at St. James Middle/High School, I was hired due to the previous band director's retirement after being at the school for over 30 years. There are many reasons why I thought this would be a great fit to join this school:

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1. Knowing this region and already having great connections with others around the area.

2. Opportunity to grow the band program and rebrand it (especially after the pandemic happened).

3. Opportunity to make connections with the community.

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Here are a few things that I have done since teaching at St. James Middle/High School to help improve the band program:

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1. Making a Fine Arts Program website for the school's website: https://sites.google.com/isd840.org/fineartsprograms/home

2. Making a St. James Music Department Facebook page and creating all content for it: Search St. James Music Department on Facebook

3. Created a new band logo.

4. Increased numbers in the band program since teaching at St. James Middle/High School: Before average was around 15-20; the average now is around 25-30 students.

5. Given the band program more opportunities and experiences that haven't happened before in the past: Honor Bands, Musicals, Guests, etc.

6. Advocated for the music department to help improve equality in all activities provided at St. James Middle/High School.

7. Help create a music library for all the band music: concert, jazz, and pep band music. 

8. Added technology into the classroom. 

9. Added marching staff into the school district through a grant. 

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Here is a list of things I plan to improve in the band program in the future:

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1. Keep organizing anything band related: school instruments, music, percussion equipment, etc. 

2. Providing as many opportunities to students as possible: increase marching band parades, honor bands, guest speakers, etc.

3. Apply technology to music performances. 

4.