Portfolio
This portfolio presents a selection of materials that reflect my work as an educator, arranger, composer, and engraver. The content has been remediated from a larger document into a digital format to improve accessibility, organization, and usability for a broader audience, including present and future educators, collaborators, and performers.
Each section is organized by skill set and context to help provide clearer understanding of how these areas connect in practice. The materials included are representative excerpts intended to demonstrate proficiency rather than serve as complete curricula or full-length works.
Instructional Resources
Fundamental exercises should be the primary focus for every student, every day. Regardless of the student’s experience level, fundamental exercises provide an easily accessible way for students to challenge themselves and monitor their own progress.
This section of the portfolio includes excerpts from materials that I distribute to my students, including 6th Grade Rhythm Exercises, Middle School Sightreading Exercises, a High School Fundamentals Packet, and a Region Band Training Program.
Please note that these samples are not exhaustive and usually contain more material relevant for their respective grade levels. These samples are included to paint a picture of what students would be reading—not to represent an entire curriculum for any grade level. While only a few pages from each document are shared, students often receive over thirty pages of materials throughout the school year.
Arranging Samples
Arranging music and teaching music share many skill sets. As a result, most good teachers are good arrangers and composers. Both require an extensive knowledge of the subject material and the ability to translate preexisting music into new material that engages audiences. Arranging is a frequently used and necessary skill for teachers in a variety of contexts, such as reorchestration.
This section includes excerpts of arrangements from both marching and concert percussion settings, including Kenny Loggins’ Footloose, arranged for the Baylor University Golden Wave Band, and Note Blocks, an arrangement based upon C418’s soundtrack to Minecraft, premiered by the Baylor Percussion Group. The three movements included are entitled Haunt Muskie, Taswell, and Mice on Venus.
The excerpt from Footloose is shared with permission by the Percussion Coordinator at Baylor University, Scott Taylor. Excerpts from Note Blocks are shared with permission by its publisher, Dr. Todd Meehan.
Marching Band Resources
Marching band requires students to perform reliably in both visual and musical contexts. They must develop advanced coordination and spatial awareness on top of already rigorous musical demands. Strong programs are built on clear, repeatable systems that allow students to meet these demands.
This section includes excerpts of documents outlining visual, battery, front ensemble, and full percussion programs. These documents add up to about sixty pages of pedagogy exploring all aspects of marching percussion. These materials represent a structured approach to help staff members to develop their student’s skills that are necessary for consistent and effective marching band performance.
Film Scores
Arranging music and teaching music share many skill sets. As a result, most good composing for film requires many of the same skills as arranging and teaching. Each involves understanding given source material, identifying essential visual elements, and incorporating sonic landscapes that clearly communicate with audiences. In a film setting, this means supporting the narrative while shaping the emotional impact of a scene.
This section includes excerpts from original scores written for Inside The Lines, a ten-minute short film directed by Paul Vassar, and Gone, a six-minute short film directed by Blake Miele. These films were both featured at the Black Glasses Film Festival in Waco, TX. These works demonstrate my approach to writing music that is both structurally intentional and responsive to visual storytelling.
The excerpts below are shared with permission by Paul Vassar and Blake Miele.
Engraving Examples
Engraving is a unique skill that requires a keen eye for precision and consistency. It also requires a strong understanding of performance practice. Well-engraved music communicates intent clearly and eliminates unnecessary barriers for performers, allowing rehearsals to focus on musical success rather than logistical issues.
This section includes excerpts of engraved materials prepared for marching band programs at Hutto HS, A&M Consolidated HS, McKinney HS, and Jordan HS, all arranged by Scott Taylor. While only one document per school is shared in this portfolio, most schools receive twenty to thirty documents engraved for every performer in the school’s percussion ensemble. These samples highlight my ability to produce clean, reliable materials that meet the demands of fast-paced rehearsal environments.
The excerpts below are shared with permission by Scott Taylor.