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Ballentine p. 1 Christopher A. Ballentine
3228 Oregon Street Easton, PA 18045
[email protected] | (610) 428-0681
Education:
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Bachelor of Music Education, emphasis in instrumental music
Cumulative GPA: 3.93 / 3.98
May 2015
Experience:
• Student Teacher in North Hills School District
Spring 2015
o Experience teaching three different levels of high school concert bands, high school
orchestras, middle school orchestras, high school jazz bands, 7/8 general music, and
advanced guitar classes.
o Duties include: developing engaging and creative instruction (400+ students), planning,
administrative duties (facility requests; transportation; etc.), PMEA/ MENC festivals,
trip planning.
o Experience working and diversifying instruction for students who have an IEP/ 504
plan.
o Experience working with the parent association to continue the strength of bond
between the teacher and instrumental music association.
• Brass Consultant at Easton Area High School
2013-2014
o Provided diverse musical instruction to over 80 brass students of a wide array of skills.
o Assisted in drill/ marching instruction with full ensemble (200+).
o Collaborated with other staff members to work as a unit in instruction to all learners.
o Experience working with children who have IEP/ Special Education requests and
adapting drill/music to skill levels and strengths/ weaknesses.
• Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps – Member
2014
o Marched with 2014 drum corps, travelling across U.S., learning techniques in music
education pedagogy, tone production, drill design, and instructional practices.
o 2nd place - Drum Corps International World Finals – one of top programs in the country.
• Penn State Marching Blue Band – Music Section Leader, Guide, Squad Leader
o Served as music section leader, with responsibilities including: leading sectionals of 68
members, teaching new show music on a weekly basis, meeting performance deadlines,
and performing/ rehearsing/ organizing section song at the end of the season.
o Worked with students from diverse majors, backgrounds, and ability levels.
o Earned position of guide and squad leader, responsible for attendance, general
leadership duties, drill distribution, communication from staff, and music memorization
checks.
• Vince Pettinelli Swing Orchestra – Alternate Trumpet
2009-2013
o Played in professional jazz band based in Phillipsburg, NJ.
o Substituted for trumpet members who were unable to attend performances/ rehearsals.
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Pre-Student Teaching Experience: Radio Park Elementary School
Spring 2014
th
o Observed, assisted, and taught elementary band students in 4/5 grades.
o Conducted full band rehearsals, as well as small group lessons, of mixed varieties.
o Collaborated with cooperating teachers to plan and deliver engaging instruction to all
students.
o Designed exciting and innovative lesson plans and facilitated more individualized
learning.
Pre-Student Teaching Experience: State College High School
Fall 2014
th
o Observed and taught 9 grade band members for six weeks on multiple pieces.
o Collaborated with peers to design lesson plans to deliver instruction effectively on a
weekly basis and provide students with the best musical experience.
Nursery School Music Teacher: Hort Woods Nursery School
Spring 2013
o Responsible for providing new and exciting music instruction to students aged 2-5 in
general music setting.
o Introduced movement with music to allow students to feel music and work on motor
skills simultaneously.
Bakery Clerk: Weis Markets, Inc.
May 2010 – present
o Responsible for preparing, baking, and packaging bakery products.
o Worked as a team to complete tasks alongside co-workers.
o Communicated with customers to provide satisfying shopper experience.
Penn State Symphonic Band
Penn State Wind Ensemble
o Performed in Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center.
Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra
o Performed the Bernstein Mass in conjunction with the School of Theatre.
Penn State Centre Dimensions Jazz Ensemble
Activities:
• Region III Representative: Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educator’s Association
o Enhanced communication between Penn State and other universities across PA.
o Organized and led first large-scale regional collegiate music workshop at Penn State.
o Planned professional development seminars to further the advancement of future music
educators, with seminars by Dr. Jack Stamp, Dr. Scott Watson, and Mr. Richard Victor
(PMEA).
o Experience working with finances in regard to planning professional development days.
• Eagle Scout – Boy Scouts of America – Troop 29
• Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society
• Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Association District/ Regional/ State Festivals
• Pocono Youth Orchestra
• National Honor Society – Easton Area High School
Ballentine p. 3 Honors/ Awards:
• Jury Recognition Award/ Jury Honors Award (2 occasions):
o Achieved outstanding recognition as top brass player in Penn State Brass studios.
• John W. Oswald
o One of 5 students recognized across entire university for providing outstanding
leadership in his/her respective field.
• Dean’s List: 8 semesters
o Earned Dean’s List status during every eligible semester while at Penn State.
• Trumpet Performance/ Instrumental Music Association/ Ned C. Diehl Scholarship
o Received several scholarships to pursue music education at a 4-year institution based on
music proficiency, leadership, and academic achievement.
Skills:
• Computer Skills: SmartMusic
o Extensive experience in using SmartMusic for assessment, practice, and composition.
• Composition Skills: Finale, Sibelius, NoteFlight
o Experience writing music notation in each of these programs for several different group
sizes and arrangements.
• Pyware 3D – Marching Band Drill Design
o Fluent in Pyware tools and experience designing a marching band show for 192
members: selecting music conceptually, syncing music to drill movement, and creating
formations for instrumentalists and guard.
References:
• Dr. O. Richard Bundy (Pennsylvania State University – Professor – Music Ed./ Blue Band)
o (814) 865-0972 / [email protected]
• Mr. Leonard Lavelle (Instrumental Music Teacher – North Hills SD – Co-operating Teacher)
o (412) 318-1402 x 3049 / [email protected]
• Ms. Heidi Kohne (Gen. Music/Adv. Guitar Teacher – North Hills SD – Co-operating Teacher)
o (412) 318-1452 / [email protected]
• Ms. Carole A. Lutte (Instrumental Music Teacher – Easton Area SD – HS Music Teacher)
o (610) 250-2481 / [email protected]
• Mr. Robert LaBarca (Instrumental Music Teacher – State College SD – K-5 Band)
o (814) 231-4115 / [email protected]
• Dr. Carter Biggers (Pennsylvania State University – Supervisor – Music Ed./ Blue Band)
o (814) 865-3982 / [email protected]
• Mr. David F. Cree (Retired Bellefonte SD – Past President of PMEA – Penn State University)
o (814) 571-0651 / [email protected]
• Mr. Timothy Matlak (Weis Markets – Bakery Manager)
o (267) 347-3416