| Desmond A. Armentrout |
|---|
| University of Massachusetts Amherst Fine Arts Center – 273 East 151 Presidents Dr., Ofc. 1, Amherst, MA 01003-9330 Email: desmond@armentrout.org |
| Academic Qualifications |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education Candidate University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Amherst, MA Anticipated September 2016 Cognate Area: Music Education Technology & Creativity |
| Master of Arts in Music Education University of South Florida, Tampa, FL May 2009 Cognate Area: Music Education & Technology |
| Bachelor of Music Education Morningside College, Sioux City, IA May 2002 Major: Trumpet, Minor: Piano & Voice |
| Iowa K-12 Standard Teaching License in Music (2003-2027) |
| ACADEMIC POSITIONS |
| Head High School Band Director - Des Moines Independent School District Des Moines, IA | August 2022 - Present |
Dynamic band director responsible for enhancing the high school band program’s performance quality, overseeing
rehearsals, and organizing public performances that foster
community engagement. Successfully increased student
participation and strengthened the band’s competitive standing through comprehensive planning and targeted
mentorship. •
Partnered with the band booster club to raise $5,000 annually, supporting essential program needs. |
| Study Hall Supervisor/Building Substitute Teacher - Waukee Community School District Waukee, IA | October 2019 - February 2022 |
| Dedicated educational support professional focused on fostering a productive and organized study environment for middle school students. Collaborated closely with faculty to deliver cohesive educational experiences that reinforced students’ academic goals. • Supervised study hall for 8th and 9th graders, ensuring a focused learning environment conducive to academic success. • Adapted and implemented lesson plans for various subjects, providing continuity during teacher absences. • Created a structured and orderly classroom setting, leading to a 30% reduction in classroom disruptions. • Guided students to achieve curriculum goals through personalized support and behavioral management techniques. |
| Shelter Care Substitute Teacher & Associate - Heartland Area Education Agency 11 Johnston, IA | May 2018 - September 2019 |
| Experienced substitute educator serving in diverse and challenging educational settings, including juvenile centers and Title I schools. Developed adaptive teaching approaches to meet students’ unique needs and supported educational programs across multiple subjects. • Taught Math and Science during summer school, successfully boosting student engagement through hands-on learning activities. • Provided continuous academic support as a long-term substitute at Polk County Detention Center, fostering a safe and structured learning environment. • Facilitated Literature and History instruction, emphasizing critical thinking and comprehension skills among middle school students. |
| Adjunct Instructor - Des Moines Area Community College Newton, IA | January 2014 - Present |
| Engaging adjunct instructor committed to delivering high-quality education and fostering student development in the music domain. Known for actively maintaining expertise in subject areas to enhance
learning experiences and build student confidence. • Developed and delivered content for music courses, ensuring comprehensive understanding among a diverse student body. • Maintained regular communication and provided individual support, leading to a 95% student satisfaction rating in course feedback. • Inspired students toward academic and practical competency by integrating real-world examples and open-ended discussions. • Actively updated course materials to reflect industry trends, equipping students with current knowledge and skills. |
| Substitute Teacher - Winterset Community School District Winterset, IA | January 2014 – September 2019 |
| Versatile substitute teacher adept at adapting quickly to new classrooms and curricula across various subjects. Supported academic continuity through effective classroom management and adherence to lesson plans. • Successfully covered Spanish I as a long-term substitute, creating a structured learning environment to support language acquisition. • Maintained a productive and organized classroom by enforcing school behavioral policies, resulting in positive feedback from school administrators. • Ensured continuity by closely following lesson plans, enabling students to meet curriculum goals even in the absence of regular teachers. |
| Orchestra Director/Band & Orchestra Associate - Pella Community School District Pella, IA | August 2013 – May 2014 |
| Passionate orchestra director dedicated to nurturing musical talent and preparing students for high-profile performances. Played a pivotal role in the development and enhancement of the school’s orchestra program. • Directed the 6th-grade orchestra and co-directed high school and 5th-grade ensembles, increasing student engagement in orchestral activities by 15%. • Prepared students for auditions, resulting in multiple honors and recognition at district events. • Coordinated and conducted successful performances for school and community events, attracting strong attendance and community support. |
| Graduate Research Assistant & Teaching Assistant - University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA | September 2010 – June 2013 |
| Dedicated researcher and teaching assistant supporting faculty in music education research initiatives. • Contributed to academic projects through thorough data collection, transcription, and literature reviews • Conducted interviews and transcribed data, providing detailed insights that contributed to research publications. • Assisted in maintaining classroom technology, ensuring smooth delivery of lectures and enhancing the learning environment. • Substitute lectured for large music appreciation classes, effectively engaging an audience of over 200 students. |
| Director of Bands - Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District Elk Horn, IA | August 2003 – May 2010 |
| Inspirational band director responsible for leading band programs for grades 5-12. Successfully established a thriving music program recognized for high performance and student development in the instrumental arts. • Led marching, jazz, and concert band rehearsals, resulting in high-profile performances that increased school visibility in regional competitions. • Developed and implemented a robust 5-12 music curriculum, enhancing student skills and preparing them for auditions and honor bands. • Managed the annual music program budget, securing resources needed for continuous program growth and improvement. • Created performance materials and resources for band activities, fostering student participation and program recognition. |
| Pearson Project Reliability Scorer - Pearson Scoring Division Remote | April 2015 – Present |
| Dedicated scorer specializing in maintaining the reliability and validity of national assessment exams. Ensures consistent scoring standards while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy. • Achieved a validity score rating above 85% for the ACT Aspire Grade 8 Reading and other national exams. • Consistently met project deadlines, collaborating with scoring directors to address content-related inquiries. • Maintained a strict adherence to confidentiality guidelines, contributing to a secure and trustworthy scoring process. |
| Co-Technology Coordinator - Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District Elk Horn, IA | August 2007 – May 2010 |
| Proactive technology coordinator focused on enhancing digital resources and infrastructure for the
school district. Spearheaded initiatives in technology integration and provided critical support in both
hardware and software maintenance to ensure a smooth, tech-enabled learning environment. • Oversaw district-wide technology maintenance, minimizing system downtime and improving operational efficiency. • Supported the deployment of new software and hardware solutions, leading to a 25% improvement in classroom technology utilization. • Designed, developed, and maintained the district’s website, providing an accessible online resource for students, faculty, and the community. • Taught technology courses for 5th and 6th graders, introducing foundational digital skills and fostering interest in technology. • Advised school administration on technology needs, facilitating strategic investments aligned with educational goals. • Collaborated with faculty on technology integration into curricula, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. • Provided hardware and software troubleshooting for faculty, staff, and students, reducing tech-related disruptions by 30%. |
| ARTICLES IN PROGRESS |
| Armentrout, D.A. Safe spaces and inclusive practices: Perceptions of and experiences of collegiate music
educators. Armentrout, D. A. Creative learning experiences in K-12 music education: A literature review. Armentrout, D. A. Surviving the data deluge: Strategic use of technology in the music classroom. |
| PRESENTATIONS |
| Armentrout, D. A. Students creating musical connections through audio and video recording. Poster session presented at the College Music Society/Association for Technology in Music Instruction
National Joint Conference, Virtual Presentation (2020, October). Armentrout, D. A. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) themes and topics in music education. Poster session presented at the Iowa Music Educators Association All-State Conference, Ames, IA (2017, November). Armentrout, D. A. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) themes and topics in music education. Poster session presented at the International Society for Music Education 32nd Annual World Conference, Glasgow, Scotland, UK (2016, July). Armentrout, D. A. Students creating musical connections through podcasting. Poster session presented at the International Society for Music Education 32nd Annual World Conference, Glasgow, Scotland, UK (2016, July). Armentrout, D. A. Using Adobe Audition in music education. Workshop presented at the International Society for Music Education 30th Annual World Conference, Thessolaniki, Greece (2012, July). Armentrout, D. A. From the airwaves to the classroom: Creating enlivening podcasts! Workshop presented at the Massachusetts Music Educators All-State Conference, Boston, Massachusetts (2012, March). Armentrout, D. A. Using Adobe Audition in music education. Interactive workshop presented at the College Music Society/Association for Technology in Music Instruction National Joint Conference, Richmond, Virginia (2011, October). |
| PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE |
| Pit Orchestra Director • Rocky Horror Show Musical, Des Moines, IA Trumpet Performance (Ensemble) • Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra, Des Moines, IA • Popcorn Button Big Band, Atlantic, IA • Atlantic Eight Jazz Combo, Atlantic, IA • Cass County Community Band, Atlantic, IA • Atlantic Community Dance Band, Atlantic, IA • Glenn Miller Tribute Band, Clarinda, IA • Wailing Big Band, Harlan, IA • Route 48 Jazz Ensemble, Griswold, IA Solo Work • Atlantic High School Concert Band, Atlantic, IA • Cass County Area Church (soloist) • Imperial Court of Iowa Coronation Celebration • Blazing Saddle 30th Anniversary Celebration Morningside College, Sioux City, IA • World Music Ensemble – 6 bass & triple cello steel drum • Symphonic Wind Ensemble - Trumpet • Jazz Ensemble - Trumpet • Singing Men – Bass/Baritone |
| PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES & SEMINARS |
| • Midwest Band & Orchestra Conference (annual attendance) • Iowa Bandmaster’s Conference (annual attendance) • Western Iowa School Conference (2003-2010) • Southwest Iowa Bandmaster’s Sight-reading Clinic (2003-2010) • College Music Society/Association for Technology in Music Instruction National Conference (2010) • Music for All/Bands of America Summer Symposium (2007) • University of South Dakota’s Band Directors Clinic (2006-2008) • Curriculum Writing Workshop for the Arts (2004) • Music Education and Instrumental Music Alumnus Advisor (2003-2005) |
| PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS |
| • College Music Society (2011 – Present) • International Society for Music Education (2011 – Present) • Iowa Bandmasters Association (2000 – Present) • Association for Technology in Music Instruction (2011 – Present) • National Association for Music Education (1998 – Present) • Iowa Music Educators Association (1998-2005, 2011 – 2014) • Iowa Schools Education Association (2007 – 2010) • National Education Association (2007 – 2010) • Southwest Iowa Bandmasters Association (2002 – 2015) |
| AWARDS & GRANTS |
| • College Music Society Fund Student Conference Attendance Award - $95 (2020) • University of Massachusetts College of Humanities & Fine Arts Conference Grant - $200 (2016) • University of Massachusetts Graduate School Travel Grant - $400 (2012) • University of Massachusetts College of Humanities & Fine Arts Conference Grant - $400 (2012) • Imperial Court of Iowa Guardian Angel Scholarship - $2000 (2015) |
| SERVICE ACTIVITIES |
| State Southwest Iowa Bandmasters • Chair of Research and Development (2004 – 2007) • Commissioning Works Committee (2003 – 2004) • Editor of the Southwest Iowa Bandmaster’s Operation Manual (2008 – 2009) • Judge for SWIBA high school honor band auditions (2003 – 2011) • Judge for SWIBA middle school honor band auditions (2003 – 2011) • Judge for Atlantic Solo/Ensemble Festival (2003 – 2005, 2007, 2009 – 2010) Iowa High School Music Association • Large Group Festival Site Manager & Coordinator (2007 – 2010) University and Public School University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA • Moodle Community Luncheon Workshop (2012) • Moodle Preview Workshop (2011) • Adobe Workshop (2011) • Moodle Pilot Focus Group (2011) • Learning Management Research Focus Group (2010) • Oversee UMass Fine Arts & Dance Booth at the Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Conference (2011-2013) Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District, Elk Horn, IA • Co-Technology Coordinator (2007 – 2010) • Co-Technology Committee Chair (2005 – 2008) • Website designer, webmaster (2006 – 2010) • Rolling Hills Conference Honor Band Chair (2010) |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS |
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| VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES |
| • Percussion and trumpet instruction for Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band,
2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 • Beginning band lessons for Atlantic High School, Atlantic, IA, 2006 • Marching band clinician for Atlantic High School, Atlantic, IA, 2005 • Website designer & manager for Capital City Pride in Des Moines, IA, 2014-2016 • Grant Writer for Capital City Pride, Des Moines, IA, 2016 |
| OTHER EMPLOYMENT |
| • House DJ, lighting/stage designer, and maintenance for The Blazing Saddle, LLC, Des Moines, IA,
2013-2019. • Radio Personality, Board Operator, Technical Producer, and Technical Engineer for KSOM and KS95, Meredith Communications, Atlantic, IA, 1997–2013. • Co-Owner, General Manager, Assistant Bookkeeper, and Assistant Marketing Representative for Dave’s Greenhouse (family business), Atlantic, IA, 1990–2004. |