+ resume

CHAD B. TOPORSKI

433 Elkwood Dr.                                                                                                                     (814) 964–1228

Coraopolis, PA 15108                                                                                             chad.toporski@gmail.com

 

TEACHING OBJECTIVE:

Develop students’ musical skills and understanding through active listening and music making.
 

EDUCATION                                                                                                             

      B.S. in Music Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania                                       2005–2009

      Graduated summa cum laude (4.0 GPA) with PA Teaching Certification in Music, K-12

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE                                                           

      General Music Teacher, Gr. K-2, Blackhawk School District                                        2010–2011

§          Taught over 350 students (K-2) using primarily the methods of Orff, Kodály, and Gordon

§          Incorporated singing, listening, movement, instruments, and notation in meeting standards

§          Produced two series of vocal concerts in Gr. 1 and 2 for family and community members

§          Integrated SmartBoard technology as appropriate into music lessons

§          Co-taught inclusively in core academic areas for one period each day

§          Collaborated with colleagues to differentiate instructional plans, develop positive behavior

§          Co-mediated weekly group discussions for the Olweus anti-bullying program

      Substitute Teacher, Allegheny County                                                                              2009–2010

§          Instructed classes across all subject areas, grades K-12, in the following districts:

            West Allegheny School District                  Cornell School District

               Moon Area School District                    Carlynton School District

§          Frequently requested to fill in for both primary and secondary level music teachers

      Student Teacher, Indiana Area High School                                                                  Spring 2009

§          Trusted to conduct full rehearsals for the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

§          Responsible for daily lesson schedule with all instrumentalists, individually and in sections

§          Helped students place in District, Region, and State PMEA Festivals through private lessons

§          Volunteered to perform in the pit orchestra for the spring musical

      Student Teacher, Ben Franklin Elementary School                                                       Spring 2009

§          Planned, implemented, and assessed general music lessons for over 400 students (K-6)

§          Developed a four-week 5th Grade unit plan, culminating in a compositional activity

§          Created song accompaniments using music software for use in the classroom

 

RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE                                                   

      Music Arranger                                                                                                                2007–Present

§          “Parade of the Tin Soldiers” for the Pittsburgh Horn Club 2010 Holiday Concert

§          “City Slickers” and “Ashokan Farewell” for the 2010 Mt. Vernon HS Marching Band

§          “An American in Paris” field show for the 2010 WW-P High School North Marching Band

§          “Music of Queen” field show for the 2010 Indiana Area HS Marching Band

§          “West Side Story” field show in three movements for the 2007 IUP Marching Band

      French Horn Player, U.S. Army                                                                                          2001–2005

            62nd Army Band, Fort Bliss, TX                                                                                      2003–2005

§          Conducted the Concert Band for ceremonies and other public performances

§          Maintained over 6,000 pieces of music as the unit library Office Manager

§          Arranged five marches for Brass Quintet performances

            392nd Army Band, Fort Lee, VA                                                                                     2002–2003

§          Supervised unit training through six months of classes and fitness sessions

§          Implemented a database for efficient regulation of personnel records and reports

§          Organized detailed weekly schedules for the unit in collaboration with other offices

 

ORGANIZATIONS                                                                                                   

      North Suburban Woodwind Quintet                                                                            2011–Present

      West Hills Symphonic Band                                                                                          2010–Present

      North Suburban Symphonic Band                                                                                 2009–Present

      Pittsburgh Horn Club                                                                                                      2009–Present

      Ringgold Band of Reading, PA                                                                                           1997–2001

 

HONORS & AWARDS                                                                                            

      Dean’s List, IUP (eight consecutive semesters)                                                                      2005–2009

      Honor Graduate, Primary Leadership Development Course, U.S. Army                  February 2005

      Student of the Month, Armed Forces School of Music                                                    March 2002