Directors

James Beckman is in his 26th year in high school music education and 20th year as director of bands at Muskego High School. James began his teaching career at Waukesha South High School where he taught orchestra and then band for 6 years. When he arrived at Muskego High School in 2003, the band program consisted of 2 concert bands, pep band and a marching band serving around 90 students. Through hard work and dedication, the MHS Band program has tripled in size. It is comprised of 10 instrumental ensembles, which include 4 concert bands, 3 jazz ensembles, pep band, pit orchestra and the 300 member Warrior Marching Band. James is a 2015 Muskego-Norway School District Compass Award recipient, recognizing excellence in education. James was recognized as the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee 2019 teacher of the year. James was a 2020 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist.

Under his direction, the Muskego High School Wind Ensemble has performed at the 2009 and 2014 Wisconsin Music Educators Association State Convention. The Warrior Marching Band has performed in a number of nationally recognized parades including the 2014 Endymion Parade in New Orleans and the 2018 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.

James is a proud graduate of Oconomowoc High School, where he first learned what it takes to have a quality band program. As a four year member of the Wind Symphony, James performed at national festivals and conventions, including the 1990 Midwest Clinic. James earned a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from Lawrence University in 1996. He would not be here today without the teachings of professors Nick Keelan, Robert Levy, Ken Schaphorst and Steven Jordheim. In 2007 James completed his master degree in education from Cardinal Stritch University.

James has served as saxophone coach for the Wisconsin All State Jazz Ensemble on three separate occasions. He is on the Board of Directors for the Youth Wind Orchestra of Wisconsin and the UW-Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble. In addition to teaching, James performs as a professional saxophonist and bassist in numerous bands and ensembles in the Milwaukee area. He lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin with his wife Amy and sons Sam and Will.

Matt Mueller is in his 25th year in education and 7th year as band director at Muskego High School where he he team teaches all the ensembles, including: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds and Percussion, Symphonic Band, Warrior Band, Jazz Ensemble I, M/W Jazz Ensemble, T/F Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, and the 300+ member Muskego High School Marching Band. Prior to his current position, Matt taught band, AP Music Theory, Music in Film, and Beginning Guitar at Waukesha West High School, Marathon High School and Spring Grove School. Ensembles under his direction have performed at the WMEA State Music Conference and NBA-WC State Convention.

Matt is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music Education and VanderCook College of Music where he earned his Master of Music Education. While there, he studied under Buzz Hoefer, Greg Balfany, Karyn Quinn, James Wheat, Charles Menghini, and Mike Pendowski.

Matt lives is Muskego with his wife Liz and two sons Emmett and Westley.