Brandon O.

My name is Brandon. I have a huge passion for music and teaching/working with people of all ages. I have been a member of the Ujima Gospel choir for 1 year and director for 3 years (Student led organization at RMC). We met Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11 pm to rehearse. I taught parts to the choir and directed them at numerous events, one annual event being a performance at the Martin Luther King Jr ceremony that our school has to commemorate him. Our gospel choir has been acknowledged all around campus and even throughout the community. At RMC, I’ve studied voice and conducting, to enhance the skills I needed to direct and teach. I’ve directed the Hanover County Concert Band in concert as well as the Randolph Macon College Chamber Singers in concert. Also, I’ve composed a choral piece and a band piece while studying conducting and compositional techniques.

Along with experience directing, I’ve student taught at Patrick Henry High School as a choral instructor, John M. Gandy Elementary School, and I’ve done a few teaching observations at Liberty Middle School, all in Hanover county. Also, I’ve done workshops and teaching with students with special needs, (most of them were autistic). I’ve incorporated the usage of music into workshops that tie into music therapy for these students, and prove that despite their differences or delay in response, when they are given music, they transform into totally different students. My senior capstone project focused on researching the issue of Music Education being cut, and the importance of having music education in schools. I tried to be an advocate to prove that inclusion of music education is beneficial to student success in other areas of disciplines. It also gives students that face disparities inside and outside of school a chance to participate in something that will motivate them to succeed. I have taught so far 3 years in the Public School system, and it has been a rewarding experience.