Stanton Choir

DIRECTOR

Mr. Brown, has been in education for twenty-two years, currently this is his nineteenth year as Director of Vocal Music for Stanton Community Schools in Stanton, Nebraska.  He directs all aspects of the vocal department, Varsity Choir, Jazz Choir, Jr. High Choir, K-6 music and 7th Grade Guitar.  Born in Wakefield, NE,  Mr. Brown grew up in Norfolk. Prior to his appointment with Stanton Community Schools, he was Director of Instrumental Music in Pender and Jr. High Vocal Instructor at Monroe Middle School in Omaha, NE. Besides loving his job as a music educator, Mr. Brown is deeply committed to his family, his wife, Ashley and their three children, Shay, Ren and Lilia. Mr. Brown enjoys spending time making music and being outdoors; camping, hiking, and gardening with his family.

EDUCATION

Wayne State College; Wayne, NE, 2006;  Master of Science in Education;  Curriculum and Instruction

Wayne State College, NE, 2000; Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education:  Music Education K-12 Vocal and Instrumental

Norfolk High School; Norfolk, NE, 1995; High School Diploma

PROFESSIONAL BELIEF

I believe students, in general, are self-directed learners. Teachers are there to guide students through the learning process, providing helpful knowledge and materials.  This concept is ideal for music education.  In music, we seek through performance an inspired emotional response within each student.  To achieve this, students must become well versed in the elements that make music; notes, rhythms, harmony, form, texture, tone color, dynamics and phrasing are just a few.  Through rehearsals and performances, students will learn to synthesis these concepts into each piece of music.  These concepts will then be internalized, organized, clarified and deepened by the experience allowing students to express the aesthetic qualities they find in the music.                         

Music education can also teach students teamwork, dedication and self-discipline. Besides these important lessons, music can frequently be interdisciplinary, covering subjects ranging from history and poetry to math and foreign languages.  I will strive for a higher degree of musicianship through excellence in performance.  As well as developing a large, comprehensive music program, that involves a sizable portion of the student body in a stimulating variety of large ensembles and select small ensembles.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• National Association for Music Educators

•  Nebraska Music Educators Association

•  Nebraska Choral Directors Association

• American Choral Directors Association

• Stanton Education Association

• National Education Association

• Nebraska State Education Association

• Kappa Kappa Psi honorary band fraternity Alumni

ORGANIZATIONAL INVOLVEMENT

• Norfolk Arts Center Member

• Elkhorn Valley Museum Member

• Guitar Educator 

• Norfolk Community Theater Member