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