20 CLINICIANS 17 in-service conference
JODY UNDERWOOD
• FILM SCORING AND SOUND EFFECTS IN THE MUSIC CLASSROOM • DIGITAL AUDIO BASICS FOR THE MUSIC EDUCATOR Jody has been working in the field of music education technology for over 15 years. His cutting-edge product knowledge (of music, audio, video and computer technology) is evident in his daily interactions with teachers. Because of his love of music, Jody also devotes many non-working hours to utilizing his musical gifts at church. In addition to leading the church band from the piano during weekly services, he also sings, plays keyboards and runs sound and lights for an 80’s band, MIXTAPE. Jody resides in Murfreesboro, TN with his wife, Roxanne, and 2 beautiful daughters, Ryley and Delaney. Jody earned his BA in Commercial Keyboard with a Technology Emphasis at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
ROLAND VENTURA
• WANT TO GET EVERYBODY INVOLVED IN YOUR FINE ARTS? START A MARIACHI PROGRAM!
Roland Ventura is currently the Director of Bands at Pinckneyville Middle School in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Upon his appointment in 2007, the Pinckneyville Band program has grown to include over 340 students. The students participate in numerous different ensembles including the Beginning Band, Jazz Panthers, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Pinckneyville POP!, PMS Concert Band, PMS Symphonic Band, and the PMS Symphonic Winds. Students in the PMS Band program participate in several GMEA band events such as District Honor Bands, AllState Band, Solo & Ensemble, and Large Group Performance Evaluation. In addition to his duties as band director, Mr. Ventura has served as the lead International Baccalaureate (IB) teacher for the Pinckneyville Fine Arts Department and has been selected as a Gwinnett County Lead Teacher for Middle School Bands. In 2013, Mr. Ventura had the honor of being selected as the Teacher of the Year for Pinckneyville Middle School. Mr. Ventura obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Troy University (then Troy State University) in Troy, Alabama. Prior to attending college, Mr. Ventura proudly served his country as member of the United States Army Band Program. Before his appointment to Pinckneyville, Mr. Ventura was the Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies at the Virginia Beach Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
JOSHUA WALKER
• WGI WINDS - THE WHAT’S, HOW’S, WHY’S & WHY NOT’S.... Mr. Walker is the former assistant director of bands at Ola High School and former director of the Ola High School Indoor Performance Ensemble. Under Mr. Walkers direction the Ola IPE received the gold (2015) and bronze (2016) medals at the Winter Guard International Winds World Championships. Mr. Walker is a graduate of the University of Alabama (2012), where he completed a Masters of Education in Curriculum Development. While at the University of Alabama, he worked extensively with the “Million Dollar” marching band, pep bands, and concert bands, as well as performing with the University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic bands. Mr. Walker received his Bachelors in Music Education in 2009 from Jacksonville State University, where he was an active student leader and served as drum major for the JSU “Marching Southerners” and principle clarinetist for the JSU Chamber Winds and Wind Ensemble. While at Jacksonville State University (2005-2009), Mr. Walker was also a member of the Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps as a brass performer (mellophone) and drum major. Mr. Walker is currently studying to attain a DMA in wind conducting from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. And resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with his partner Jay Fox.
STEVEN WATSON
• FOR LOVE OR REWARD: MEANINGFUL MOTIVATION FOR CONTINUED STUDENT SUCCESS Steven Watson currently serves as the Director of Bands at Jasper Middle School, Director of Athletic Bands at Reinhardt University, high brass instructor for Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle corps, and Brass Caption Supervisor for Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle corps. Previously Steven held the position of Artist in Residence at Kennesaw State University. Highly active as a freelance trumpet player, Steven performs with numerous ensembles in and around the Southeast, as well as, making many solo appearances each year. In addition to his teaching and performing responsibilities he is in frequent demand as a clinician and adjudicator.
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georgia music news // winter 2016