Whitney Brainard
ADDRESS
1453 Edward Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
PHONE
(269) 650-2010
EMAIL
whitney.brainard@gmail.com
“Whitney’s most outstanding attribute
as a young educator is her compassion
and caring for the students she serves.”
-James Ross, Band Director, East
Kentwood High School
“When compared to all of my former
students, Whitney is at the very top of
the list.” -Barry Martin, Director of
Bands, Grand Valley State University
“I believe her to be a truly outstanding
musician, person, and educator.” -
Adam Hendry, Director of Bands,
Grosse Ile High School
“She does an excellent job in
everything she puts her mind to and is
truly a rising star in the field of music
education.” -Adam Borst, Band
Director, Cedar Springs Public
Schools
Objective: To obtain a position teaching instrumental music at the secondary or
collegiate level.
Education:
The American Band College Ashland, OR
Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
Master of Arts in Band Conducting June 2015-August 2017
Graduate project entitled “Woodwind Double Agent” published in July 2016 edition of Bandworld
Magazine.
Recipient of the ABC Scholarship to attend the Conn-Selmer Institute in June 2018.
Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
Bachelor of Music Education August 2007-April 2012
Clarinet Performance Honors
Presidential Scholar
Margaret Ward Scholarship for Music Education
Honors College
Dean’s List, Magna Cum Laude
Certification/Licensure:
Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate January 2018-June 2023
Certificate Number: PF0000000951612
Professional Experience:
Sparta Area Schools Sparta, MI
Middle School Band and Choir Director August 2017-Present
• Provide beginning and intermediate instrumental and vocal music instruction in grades
6-8.
• Grew 6th grade beginning band from 68 members in 2017 to 125 members in 2018.
• Participate in District 7 MSBOA events, including District Festival, Middle School Honors
Band, and Middle School Solo and Ensemble.
• Write and arrange music to appropriately challenge different levels of learners in band.
• Program music that is both appealing to middle schools students and also appropriately
challenging to their musical growth.
• Teach introductory marching techniques, in preparation for the Sparta Homecoming
Parade.
• Assist high school director with visual and music instruction for the Sparta High School
Marching Band, in preparation for MCBA competitions.
• Organize biannual middle school band trip to Chicago.
• Recruit incoming middle school students to join the band program.
• Track student development using formative and summative assessment methods.
• Use data gathered from written and performed student assessments to decide the most
appropriate course of action in my daily instruction.
• Work with architects to design new middle school band and choir rooms.
• Communicate with parents through Powerschool, email, and the Sparta Middle School
Music website.
West Ottawa Public Schools Holland, MI
Middle School Band Director July 2013-August 2017
! Provide beginning and intermediate instrumental music instruction in grades 6-8.
! Work with band department to create and implement middle school band curriculum.
! Participate in and host District 10 MSBOA events, including District Festival, Middle School All-Star Band, Middle
School Solo and Ensemble, and District Jazz Festival.
! Teach introductory marching techniques, in preparation for the Tulip Time and Memorial Day Parade performances.
! Teach the after school West Ottawa Middle School Jazz Band.
! Follow school-wide expectations for implementing writing into all classes.
! Provide on-field instruction for the West Ottawa High School Marching Band.
! Keep an accurate inventory and decide on how to best allocate bond money to purchase new instruments and supplies.

Spring Lake Public Schools Spring Lake, MI

St. Mary’s Band Director September 2012-July 2013
! Teach band two days per week in grades 5-8.
! Select appropriate repertoire to prepare for community performances.
! Create lessons centered around the National Standards for Music Education.
! Supervise Lunchtime Band Jam, a voluntary practice hour for students.
! Pair with classroom teachers and parents to resolve behavioral issues.
! Send out weekly band newsletter via email and regularly update band website.
! Track student development using formative and summative assessment methods.

Cedar Springs Public Schools Cedar Springs, MI

Middle School Band Assistant September 2012-July 2013
! Tutor special education students in beginning band.
! Provide individual and sectional instruction to 7th and 8th grade band students.
! Team-teach and section teach in beginning woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Professional Membership and Development:

National Association for Music Education (NAfME) 2007-present
Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association 2013-present
District 10 Music Education Committee Representative 2016-2017
District 7 Music Education Committee Representative 2018-present

Known GVSU Band Camp/Rehearsal Conflicts:

Leadership Camp 8/14-8/15: Beginning Band Camp at Sparta

Band Camp 8/17: Appointment (AM)

Band Camp 8/18: Wedding (all day)

Band Camp 8/21-8/22: PD at Sparta (8 AM-3 PM)

Rehearsal 9/24: Staff Meeting (would be late to rehearsal)

Rehearsal 10/22: Staff Meeting (would be late to rehearsal)

Rehearsal 10/30: Parent/Teacher Conferences

Rehearsal 11/1: Parent/Teacher Conferences

I am able to make all GVSU home football games and other performances (ArtPrize, possible away performance at
SVSU, Kenowa Hills Invitational )

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