Norwalk High School Vocal Music

Gerard Krupke and Kim Ward, Directors Stephen Brandt has completed his practicum experience at Norwalk High School and Middle School under the direction of Gerard Krupke. Grade enrollment in Norwalk Community School District hovers in the low-200s. Socioeconomic status of the student population in Norwalk varies from very low to very high, with district lines encompassing both a large trailer park as well as several very affluent neighborhoods, but the vast majority of students would be characterized as middle class. Mr. Brandt worked primarily with 8th Grade Choir (55 students), 9th/10th Grade Choir (70 students), and every other day with 7th Grade Choir (60 students). He also gave curricular voice lessons to 9th -12th grade students and the 7th and 8th grade students auditioning for Opus Honor Choir. His extra duties included before and after school voice lessons, and assisting show choir rehearsals. Stephen brings many positive characteristics to the teaching profession. He has a wealth of experience in performing at a high level, both as a soloist and in ensembles at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School and Drake University. Stephen is very comfortable in his own skin and puts students at ease, a particularly important characteristic when asking students to do things outside their comfort zone, which is a frequent and necessary occurrence in musical development. He has a highly sensitive musical ear and a unique intuition in a rehearsal setting, allowing him to be flexible and respond to the needs of his ensemble. Outside of his college coursework, he has continued to seek experience as a director and teacher through church music jobs and in maintaining a studio of private voice lessons, as well as directing a show choir combo for a top performing school. Stephen has a strong desire to improve his skills, gain experience, and deepen his understanding. While he displays a good measure of intuition, he also realizes when his inexperience is a hindrance to meeting the performance goals he has set. The best example of this is that after working in a sectional with the soprano and alto sections, he requested to do this more often because he felt that he needed more practice. He shared that he was confident in how to speak and connect to the guys, but needed to learn to connect more with the girls in rehearsal. Some teachers blame the students for what they didnt accomplish; some teachers understand that something isnt clicking but cant figure out what it is; and some teachers have mental acuity to know whats missing, take responsibility for it, and work quickly to find a solution. Stephen never blamed students for what wasnt accomplished, but understands that the teacher is the instructional leader, the driver, the motivator, and the encourager behind everything that happens. Another impressive point to me is that Stephen has a well-developed philosophy for education that is played out in his actions, not merely a talking point for a college assignment. I was often impressed with his ability to articulate what he believed, as well 1201 North Ave Norwalk, IA 50211 (515) 981-4201

Norwalk High School Vocal Music

Gerard Krupke and Kim Ward, Directors as see that philosophy played out it in his instruction and interaction with students. I dont want to speak in particulars for him, but he believes very strongly in first helping to develop and draw out the students raw talent and confidence. He realizes that a students confidence and perception of himself needs to be bolstered in order to be molded. Stephen is what I would call a community builder. He has a magnetic personality and an innate ability to bring people into the fun and energy that he so naturally exudes. While at Norwalk, he quickly built a rapport with all the groups in which he worked and students loved to have voice lessons with him. He created an environment that was fun, inviting, and a place the kids wanted to be. They knew that if Mr. Brandt was involved, they were probably going to have fun. This characteristic isnt just an isolated statement like, students enjoy Mr. Brandt. In a choir program, culture and environment are necessary to building excitement and investment within the student population, resulting in friends convincing their friends to join or re-join or try out for this or that. Teachers with the personality and skillset that Stephen has dont just build a successful program; they build strong communities where the music becomes a vehicle for changing lives and helping students find their voice, discover their passion. Stephen has loads of potential, but is not without some minor but necessary areas needing improvement. He will forever be focused on the students and what he does in the classroom, but may struggle with the importance of meeting administrative deadlines. Whoever is lucky enough to hire Mr. Brandt should know that he will need an understanding mentor to help him stay on track with the ever increasing lot of professional responsibilities placed on all of us in this day and age. I give Stephen Brandt my highest recommendation. It was certainly my pleasure to have him alongside me at Norwalk and would consider him a great asset to any program. Stephens passion for students and musical excellence is second to none.

Sincerely,

Gerard Krupke Norwalk High School 1201 North Ave Norwalk, IA 50211 (515) 981-4201