"Hi, I'm Ben, a recent graduate of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. I earned a master of music degree at Peabody, and a bachelor of arts degree at Susquehanna University. I'm currently a building substitute at a high school. I'm working there while pursuing a music education teaching certificate at Kutztown University. In addition, I'm a member of Governor Mifflin's band staff.

My teaching experience includes long-term positions as the chorus/music teacher, as well as the world cultures and sociology teacher at Tulpehocken HS. I taught trombone lessons to elementary and middle school students while in college. Previously, I was a camp counselor at Adamstown YMCA summer camp.

When I teach reading, I tell students we mustn't look at these activities as exercises. Instead, I teach students to read like everything is an adventure or a story worth telling. I've written many graduate-level essays, as well as teach students how to format and shape their writing. Email writing is another topic I like to cover. For proofreading, I urge students to share with friends or to read aloud. We recognize adjustments we can make each time we look over our writing. While on the marketing team for BlueStar Cooking, I drafted content for the blog, the website, and for promotionals.

Trombone, voice, and ear training are my strengths in music. In high school, I participated in PMEA and Berks festivals. These include, county band/chorus/orchestra, district band/chorus/orchestra, region band/chorus/orchestra, state band/chorus, and all-eastern choir. In NATS (collegiate-level singing competitions), I placed in the top three each year.

No matter what level you're at, I will help you raise your bar higher. I want to share what I've learned with you, while you share your experiences and your stories with me also. Hope to hear from you!" less...