I have been the music teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary since the fall of 2012. I have been a music teacher in the Des Moines district since the fall of 2006. Since beginning my music teaching career in the fall of 1997, I have taught vocal music at all levels from Kindergarten to 12th grade. During my tenure with Des Moines Public Schools, I have provided many different performance opportunities for students, including extracurricular choruses and show choir. At Pleasant Hill I direct the Panther Pride Show Choir and our Panther Pride Chorus who enjoy the opportunity to share out in the community, including a performance at the Iowa Cubs. I enjoy writing music for students, and I have written and performed several compositions over my years of teaching.
I believe in teaching the fundamentals necessary to help students take their music to the next level. I also believe in giving students many different performance opportunities to showcase their talents and develop confidence.
I have a son, John who is in his second year at DMACC with plans to transfer to UNI, and my daughter Emma, who will be a Junior at Southeast Polk both attended Pleasant Hill Elementary. My wife, Julie, is teaching Third Grade at Pleasant Hill Elementary. I also work part-time for Colfax Tractor Parts as a farm equipment detailer.
During my time at Pleasant Hill, I have seen growth in the musical talents and involvement of students and am excited about the musical opportunities we will have at Pleasant Hill!