Education and Professional Information
After attending Hortonville Public School K-12, I attended St. Norbert College in DePere, WI. I originally pusued a business major but changed to music education after my second year. Upon graduation in 1986, I spent a year as a substitute teacher in the Fox Valley area. During this time I was approached by the principal of St. Edwards School in Mackville. They were interested in starting up a band program-thus began my career. My first band started with twenty students ranging from 4th to 8th grade. The following year I was hired by the newly formed ACES (Appleton Catholic Education System) where I taught band at St. Pius X and St. Thomas More Schools. After seven years I moved up and taught band at Xavier High School. In 1995 I joined the teaching staff at Hortonville Middle School.
Over the years at Hortonville Middle School, I've instructed band students ranging from 5th grade to 8th grade as well as the jazz band program. In addition to rehearsals, the students receive individual lessons once a week. Though my main instrument is trombone, I play all of the instruments of the band. I believe that students learn better when using all of their senses. By playing along with students I am able to demonstrate proper tone as well work on intonation. The Jazz Band program at HMS has experienced much success. The group has competed at various Jazz Festivals including: U.W. Green Bay, U. W. Eau Claire, Shazz-fest (Shawano) and the annual Solo Ensemble Festival.
Family
If you are familiar with the Hortonville area, you've probably heard of/seen Manley Road. The road received it's name because my ancestors owned the oldest farm on the lane or path (I've seen old photos and it really did not resemble a road in the early years) at the time they were naming the road. I grew up on and helped work the family farm, north of Hwy 15. I currently live on that same property though we no longer farm it.
I came from a musical family on my mother's side. She played multiple instruments while in school. My Grandfather and Godfather both played trumpet in polka dance bands in the Kewaunee area. I still play my Grandfather's old Bach trumpet. While growing up I was surrounded with music. My sisters played trumpet and French Horn while my brother was a drummer. It was very noisy in my house growing up!
Community
In addition to the family importance of music, faith has always played a big part of my life. As a child our family attended the Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Hortonville as well as St. Patrick's in Stephensville. It was a natural fit to attend St. Norbert College. My faith life continued to grow as I taught in the Catholic system for eight years. While a member of St. Pius X church in Appleton, I taught religion classes at various levels and was a member of the parish council. When I moved back to the Hortonville area, I attended and taught religion classes at St. Mary's in Greenville. Currently I attend Ss. Peter and Paul and teach 5th grade religion class. In addition, I am the music ministry coordinator. It is amazing how the Hortonville community has a strong combination of musical talent and faith.
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me via email or 920-779-7922.
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