"It is in working with band...that Mr. Wilson's expertise shines. His
exceptional ear and interpretive musicality take his students from complex notation on the page to
finished performance. His choice of literature shows a broad knowledge of the repertoire, ranging
through classical to contemporary selections, with attention to strengths and needs of the given year's
student capabilities."

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"...he has exhibited excellent problem solving, creativity, patience, sensitivity, sense of humor, motivation and discipline, which has led to a noticeable growth in our students' notational reading, maintaining a steady beat, tone production, following the conductor and developing ear-training for ensemble playing. We have enjoyed his commitment, positive attitude and inspirational leadership."

Paul K. Fox
Upper St. Clair School District Performing Arts Curriculum Leader
South Hills Junior Orchestra Founding Director

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"Joe...is an enthusiastic and understanding teacher who is able to challenge his students to fully develop their creative skills. He enjoys an excellent rapport with his students and his enthusiasm and personal interest in class provides for the students the motivation to use and apply their knowledge and skills to the tasks at hand. He is a competent, dedicated, and moral person...I highly recommend him for your consideration."

Bro. Richard Grzeskiewicz, FSC
Principal
Central Catholic High School, Pittsburgh, PA

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"Joe...proved to be a prompt, reliable, and dedicated teacher...creativity is an essential trait in a teacher of the arts

and Joe's willingness to explore alternative approaches demonstrates this as a strength in his teaching efforts...I can unhesitatingly offer my strongest endorsement and recommendation of his professionalism and musicianship."

Clarence Barber

Assistant Director of Bands

Midview Local Schools, Grafton OH

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"I've found Mr. Wilson to be responsible, hard working, and cooperative...he is very interested in becoming the best teacher that he possibly can...I firmly believe that Mr. Wilson would be a welcome addition to any district as a

dedicated and enthusiastic educator."

Daryl Hall

Superintendent of Schools

Ontario Local Schools, Mansfield OH

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"Joe has been able to get students to produce quality music and appreciate the value in the performing arts...Joe is creative and sincere and this aids him tremendously in the classroom...we know he will be a positive addition to any staff he chooses to be a part of."

Monty Perry

Middle School Principal

Ontario Local Schools, Mansfield OH

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My Philosophy of Music Education

I believe that comprehensive and balanced instruction in music is an essential part of any student’s overall education.  Such music instruction should be available to all students, and all students have the ability to acquire musical skill and understanding.  Music has the unique ability to communicate the ideas and emotions of the human spirit; it helps connect us to history, tradition, heritage, as well as having exceptional beauty and power in our culture.  All students have the ability to gain a greater understanding of music’s role in their culture, as well as the ability to acquire skills to express their own emotions and ideas through music.

 Students learn any subject matter best when they are motivated.  I consider my role in the classroom to be the students’ motivator and facilitator.  It is my job to present the cultural, emotional, and technical aspects of music in such a way that the student will carry both a passion for music and the ability to express themselves through it for the rest of their lives. 

I accomplish this by challenging students intellectually while supporting those with different learning styles and abilities.  I expect students to give the same effort in a music class that they do in other core subjects; I also carry out my instruction with the same academic rigor and high expectations as do teachers in other core subjects.  I also expect students in a music class to have the same discipline in behavior as they would in any other core subject.  Behavioral goals and consequences are clear to my students, and are carried out in a firm but fair manner. 

A student’s success in their music education is not determined merely by their participation in a music class.  A student has had a worthwhile music education when they have been challenged to think about their history, explore their own emotions, and taught the skills to express their ideas through music within the context of their culture.  That is the type of music education that I strive to bring to my classroom.

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