Faculty

Director of Choirs

Mr. Whiteman

My name is Christopher Whiteman, and I am excited to be the Choir teacher at CS Porter.

Originally from Rocklin, CA, I attended Del Oro High School where I participated in almost every music ensemble.

Graduating as validictorian, I attended Fresno State, where I again dove into all types of music and musical ensembles.

As a member of the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band and

Wind Ensemble, I was able to travel and perform throughout the U.S.

My first teaching assignment was at Ronald E. McNair High School in Stockton, CA. I helped open McNair as a new school in the fall of 2005, and taught there for 4 years. I was privileged enough to start the choir, orchestra, piano, marching band, concert band, color guard, and drum line activities and classes.

During the 2009-2010 school year, I was the music teacher for Grades 6-12 in Darby, Montana. Beginning with a decimated program, it was my goal to rebuild it. In one year, I was able to grow the High School band program from 3 to 17 students, the High School choir program from 12 to over 20 students, and expanded the Middle and Elementary school programs as well. I was honored that year to be named the Darby High School Teacher of the Year.

During the 2010-2011 school year, I was a substitute teacher for the Corvallis, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville schools in Montana. This gave me time to play with my baby daughter Allison who was born in December of 2010. In 2011-2012 I taught 7th and 8th grade general music at Washington Middle School, as well as coached the 8th grade boys and girls basketball teams and track.

Since 2012, I have been the director of choirs at CS Porter Middle School in Missoula, MT. My duties include 3 grade level choirs, an audition only treble choir, and an audition only men's choir. Our ensembles have performed at Big Sky High School, Sentinel High School, Hellgate High School, Coeur d'Alene High School, Frenchtown High School, Ferris High School (WA), Alberton Schools, and the University of Montana. They have also performed with Dolce Canto Choir, Crescendo Community Choirs (WA), and Bella Armonia Choir from the International Choral Festival.

I completed my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement in 2016, and hope to be an advocate for the arts as an administrator.

I enjoy all forms of music, and spending time with my beautiful wife, Stephanie, daughter Allison, and son Thomas. I also enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, and sports. I probably watch more ESPN than any other human alive.

My teaching philosophy is that I truly believe that all youth not only need boundaries, but crave them also. I have been very successful working with all levels of students and behaviors, and I know that it all starts with respect and classroom management. I have the will, energy, and drive to offer students a chance to succeed in their educational and life goals. It is my personal and professional philosophy to always push, develop, grow and reflect on all things. I believe that if we push our students to a higher level of education, they will reach it. If we develop a sense of community and pride in our classroom and school, our students will not simply accept a “traditional public school” experience, but demand better from us. If we grow as teachers and continue to gain new ideas, technology, and practices, our students will be rewarded. Finally, if we can reflect on ourselves and our strengths and weaknesses, then our students will do the same; making them critical thinking, life-long learners.