Résumé
"I finally began my own teaching journey at Herndon Magnet School where I eventually taught and fully managed 5 music programs: band, jazz band, guitar, piano, and show choir. I was faced with the decision most music directors face - do I focus my efforts on one area and slack on the other subjects for my own sanity? Or do I become and do what I need to for every group - every student to succeed?
I was fully convinced all students deserve the best music education I could possibly give them - sacrificed much for that endeavor. Every student learned to read and write music and play their instrument well.
Every group performed concerts and competed in festivals.
Every group traveled to see professional level musicians and college settings.
I wake up every day with this mindset. Still very much excited, ready to jump in and involve students in the musical world, but most of all, to help them live successful lives regardless where they may have come from or what they may go through."
EDUCATION
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana from Fall 2011 to Spring 2014
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with a concentration in Music Education: Instrumental Grades K-12
Student taught under GRAMMY nominated and award winning Cheryl Corkran at Greenacres Middle School in Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier City, Louisiana from Fall 2010 to Summer 2011
Graduated July 29th, 2011 with an Associate Degree of the Arts in Music, a Certificate of General Studies, and a Certificate of Technical Studies in Music
The Master’s University, New Hall, California from Fall 2008 to Spring 2010
Pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education with a Minor in Bible
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TEACHING AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SOUND180 Educator from 2019 - Present Day
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Young Professionals Initiative 40UnderForty Award in 2023 -> https://theforumnews.com/article-5481-40-under-forty.html
"Each year, the Greater Shreveport Chamber’s Young Professional Initiative highlights 40 of our region’s most dynamic and accomplished young professionals who are engaged in our community in business, family and service. Over the years we have recognized more than 500 individuals with many from previous classes going on to become our local leaders in business, politics and public service. 40 Under Forty is our chance to celebrate our best young leaders by spotlighting those who are excelling in their profession and making an impact on and for our community."
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Honor Band and Band Camp Clinician from 2022 - Present Day
Terrebonne Parish, LA Honor Band in 2024
McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA Middle School Band Camp Clinician in 2023
LMEA District I Middle School Honor Band Clinician in 2023
LMEA District V Middle School Honor Band Clinician in 2022
LMEA District II Middle School Honor Band Clinician in 2022
Conference Clinician from 2023 - Present Day
LMEA Music Educators Conference in 2023 - "If they see it, hear it, say it, do it – they can play it!” – How to Help Your Beginners Remember"
LMEA Music Educators Conference in 2023 - "The Baton Exchange: Empowering Band Director Mentees and Mentors Through Mentorship"
Terrebonne Parish Music Educators Clinic in 2023 - "Bandwagon to Brilliance: Nurturing and Growing Beginner Bands and Choirs"
Guitar and Dulcimer Clinician at the Arkladulcifest summers of 2017 and 2018
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Louisiana Music Educators Association Mentorship Chair from 2023 - Present Day
Develops and implements a mentorship program for new music teachers of all walks in Louisiana, providing them with active seasoned music education mentors that guide their mentees in instructional techniques, curriculum development, classroom management, and student engagement strategies
Coordinates mentorship activities, including clinic sessions, regular check-ins, zoom meetings, and networking opportunities to foster a supportive community for new music teachers as well as their seasoned mentors
Evaluate and assess the progress ,development, and relationship of mentees and mentors, providing constructive feedback, support, and resources to help them thrive in their roll
Obtains local funding for compensation to all mentors
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Louisiana Association of Jazz Educators Middle School Jazz Chair from 2023 - Present Day
Connects middle school jazz programs throughout Louisiana
Coordinates, organizes, and facilitates the Middle School Jazz All-State Honor Bands
Obtains local funding to help cover expenses for students in need
Chair Member of the Louisiana Bandmasters Association from 2019 - Present Day
Coordinates, organizes, and facilitates the All-Star All-State Middle and High School Honor Bands, especially the high school jazz band.
Benton Intermediate School in Benton, LA from August 2020 - Present Day
Music Director for 5th Grade Recorder and 6th Grade Beginning Band
Bossier Parish’s Golden Star Award - for more information check out this website -> https://bossierpress.com/unstable-childhood-leads-benton-band-director-to-spread-joy-cory-craig-wins-gold-star/
Teacher of the Month of March 2021
Superior Ratings at LMEA District 8 Solo and Small Ensemble and District 5 Large Ensemble Festivals
District II Honor Band Guest Clinician for 2021, rescheduled for 2022 due to Covid and hurricane delays
GRAMMY Music Educator Nominee Finalist for the 2022 GRAMMY Awards -> https://www.grammy.com/grammy-museum/news/recording-academy-grammy-museum-2022-music-educator-award-finalists-announced
GRAMMY Music Educator Nominee Quarter Finalist and Semifinalist for the 2023 and 2024 GRAMMY Awards
Benton Intermediate School Teacher of the Year Award for 2024
Bossier Parish Schools Teacher of the Year Award for 2024
Louisiana State Middle School Teacher of the Year Award for 2024 -> https://bebossier.com/2023/07/bossier-parish-band-director-named-state-middle-school-teacher-of-the-year/
Ruston Junior High School (Title 1 School) in Ruston, LA from August 2018 to May 2020
Director of Bands Grades 7th-8th Beginning Band, Advanced Band, Percussion, and Jazz Band
Louisiana Music Education Association’s Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year Award in 2018
Superior Ratings at LMEA District 1 Solo and Small Ensemble and Large Ensemble Festivals in 2019 and 2020
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Caddo Parish Community Partnership Music Teacher Leader for the Caddo Parish School Board from August 2017 - May 2018
Communicated, connected, and organized opportunities for Caddo music programs to perform in the community
Music Director for the ArtBreak! event in 2018 - coordinated performances from the surrounding schools and studios elementary through high school
Connected the Shreveport Symphony, Yazzy!, and Opera Xpress to perform in the schools
Showcased school music ensembles at the Caddo Parish School Board meetings monthly
Organized and facilitated the Parish Middle School Honor Choirs
Herndon Magnet School in Belcher, LA from August 2014 - May 2018
Director of Music - Grades 6th-8th Band, Jazz Band, Guitar, Piano, Show Choir
Received Middle School Band Director of the Year in District 8 (Northwest Louisiana) in 2017
Received Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2017
Top 3 finalist for Middle School Teacher of the Year in all of Caddo Parish Schools in 2017
Superior Ratings at LMEA District 8 Solo and Small Ensemble and Large Ensemble Festivals 2017
Current performing groups - Everett Street Jazz (manages, leads, and performs), Caravan Band, Josh Madden Band, Bill Causey Band, Red River Wind Orchestra, Russ-town Band, as well as solo saxophone gigs
Various Concert Bands and Jazz Bands from Fall 2002-Present Day ***Will provide specific ensembles upon request
Various Vocal Choirs from Fall 2006-Spring 2013 (Can list upon request)
Handbell Choir from Fall 2009-Spring 2010
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