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David A. Rickels is currently a doctoral candidate in music education at Arizona State University and teaches in the Mesa Public Schools. Mr. Rickels holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education (Instrumental) from Arizona State University’s Herberger College of the Arts. He has previously taught in a wide range of settings from kindergarten through college, including general music, beginning band, marching bands, concert bands, jazz bands, music theory, and music education courses. Mr. Rickels recently served as the Director of Bands at Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, where his students achieved Superior (I) ratings in the areas of marching band, concert band, and chamber ensemble performance. Mr. Rickels has an extensive and varied background of 15 years in the marching arts as a performer, instructor, designer, and adjudicator. He has contributed in many areas, including high school and college marching bands, drum & bugle corps, winter guards, and winter drumlines. As a visual designer for marching bands, Mr. Rickels is in yearly demand for creating drill designs and teaching clinics across the United States. He has previously taught on the staff of the Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band, and he regularly adjudicates marching band, winter guard, and winter drumline competitions throughout Arizona. As a conductor, Mr. Rickels has performed with the Mesa Community College Day Band and the Arizona State University Concert Band in addition to his high school ensembles. His performance experience on woodwind and brass instruments includes the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Arizona Wind Symphony, and the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Rickels has been active for many years within the Arizona Music Educators Association as a state board officer for technology, a concert and marching festivals host, a workshop presenter, and a Solo & Ensemble Festival chairperson. As a researcher, his interests have included investigations of marching band competition results and studies on factors influencing music teacher recruitment. Mr. Rickels has presented his research at conferences of MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the Society for Music Teacher Education, and the Arizona Music Educators Association. He writes regularly for the Arizona Music News, and he has an article on marching band competition scores appearing in the Journal of Band Research. |
Curriculum Vitae
David A. Rickels
EDUCATION:
Doctor of Musical Arts, Herberger College of the Arts, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Music Education, specialization in Instrumental Music, cognate in Conducting
Currently ABD, graduation in May 2009
Dissertation title: “A Multivariate Analysis of Nonperformance Variables in Marching Band Competition Results in the United States”
Master of Music, Herberger College of Fine Arts, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Music Education, concentration in Instrumental Music Education
May 2005
Bachelor of Music, Herberger College of Fine Arts, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Instrumental Music Education
December 2001
TEACHING/EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE:
Adjunct Faculty, August 2006-Present
Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ
- Courses taught as primary instructor:
o MTC 103: Introduction to Aural Perception (Fall 06, Spring 07, Fall 07, Spring 2008)
o MTC 101: Introduction to Music Theory – online section (Fall 06, Spring 07)
o MHL 153: Rock Music and Culture (Spring 07, Spring 09)
- Assistant director, Day Concert Band – Robert Hunter, Director (Fall 06, Spring 07, Fall 07)
o Taught breakout sectional rehearsals
o Conducted full ensemble in rehearsals and performances
Band Director and Music Teacher, August 2008-Present
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, Mesa, AZ
- 5th and 6th grade band
- 26 general music classes ranging from kindergarten through 6th grade
Graduate Assistant, August 2006-May 2008
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- 2007-2008, Teaching Assistant, Undergraduate Instrumental Music Education Practicum (Dr. Jill Sullivan and Dr. Margaret Schmidt, instructors)
o Designed and implemented lessons in the areas of elementary and secondary instrumental methods
o Assisted faculty with preparation and use of equipment, including classroom media technology and online resources
- 2006-2008, Research Assistant
o Assistant for large-scale case study project examining a K-12 suburban school music program - $64,000 grant funding from NAMM: Sounds of Learning; principal investigators Dr. Sandra Stauffer, Dr. Jeffrey Bush, and Dr. Margaret Schmidt, School of Music
o Assistant to principal investigator Dr. Jill Sullivan, School of Music; assisted with projects including research on World War II women’s military bands and American normal school music ensembles
- Other music education department responsibilities
o Supervised undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student teachers
o Assisted with instruction and supervision of masters degree students’ independent study projects and thesis portfolio preparation
- 2006-2008, ASU Sun Devil Marching Band, James Hudson – Director
o Assisted the director with preparation of marching and musical skills at the section and full ensemble levels
- 2007, Co-Conductor, University Concert Band
Director of Bands, June 2003-May 2006
Westwood High School, Mesa, AZ
- Duties included: concert bands (2), marching band, jazz ensemble, beginning steel drums, beginning guitar, winter guard, and winter drumline
- Ensembles achieved Superior awards in marching band, concert bands, and solo and ensemble events
- Guest clinicians included: Patrick Sheridan, Robert Spevacek, Deanna Swoboda, and the U.S. Navy Band Southwest (San Diego)
Director of Bands, June 2002-June 2003
North Canyon High School, Phoenix, AZ
- Duties included: concert bands (2), International Baccalaureate music theory, marching band, jazz ensemble, beginning class piano, beginning guitar, and winter guard
Music Teacher & Band Director (Long-term substitute), January 2002-May 2002
James Madison Elementary School, Mesa, AZ
- 30 general music classes ranging from kindergarten through 6th grade, and 5th and 6th grade band
Student Teacher, August 2001-December 2001
Corona del Sol High School, Tempe, AZ – mentor teacher: Bill Richardson
Kyrene Aprende Middle School, Chandler, AZ – mentor teacher: Tracy Werner
Other observation/internship assignments:
- Coronado High School – Jon Gomez, Director of Bands
- Booker T. Washington Elementary School – Kathy Copeland, Music Teacher
Band Director, January 2001-June 2001
The Tesseract School, Paradise Valley, AZ
- Taught 4th through 6th grade first year beginning band of 19 students
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTED PAPERS:
Reviewed Publications
Rickels, D. A., Councill, K. H., Fredrickson, W. E., Hairston, M., Porter, A. M., Schmidt, M. (2009). Influences on career choice among music education audition candidates: a pilot study. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Rickels, D. A. (2008). A comparison of variables in Arizona marching band festival results. Journal of Band Research, 44(1), 25-39.
Other Reviewed Papers and Presentations
Rickels, D. A. (2008, April). Lillian Williams Linsey: A legacy of leadership. Poster session presented at the annual ArtsWork Arts Education Graduate Student Research Symposium, Tempe, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. (2007). Perceptions of a career choice in music education: The voice of the high school student.
o (2007, September). Poster session presented at the annual symposium of the Society for Music Teacher Education, Greensboro, NC.
o (2007, April). Poster session presented at the annual ArtsWork Arts Education Graduate Student Research Symposium, Tempe, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. (2006). A comparison of contributing variables in Arizona marching band festival results.
o (2006, April). Poster session presented at the biennial conference of MENC: The National Association for Music Education, Salt Lake City, UT.
o (2006, March). Paper presented at the annual ArtsWork Arts Education Graduate Student Research Symposium, Tempe, AZ.
o (2006, January). Poster session presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Mesa, AZ.
Other Publications
Rickels, D. A. (2008). Technology update: 2009 conference preview. Arizona Music News, 53(2), 21.
Rickels, D. A. (2008). Old wine in new (technological!) bottles. Arizona Music News, 53(1), 19.
Rickels, D. A. (2008). Technology update: Building a shared teaching community. Arizona Music News, 52(3), 25.
Rickels, D. A. (2008). Technology update: Professional development for the 2008 conference and beyond. Arizona Music News, 52(2), 21.
Rickels, D. A. (2007). Technology update: Encountering technology in the music classroom. Arizona Music News, 52(1), 16-17.
Rickels, D. A. (Ed.). (2007). Symphony for the Schools! Concert Education Guide (May 8th-9th, 2007). Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.
Rickels, D. A. (2006). Marching band: The hidden context of festival scores. Arizona Music News, 50(3), 33-35.
Rickels, D. A. (2005). The Star-Spangled Banner: Music activities for secondary teachers. In Celebrate Constitution Day. Mesa, AZ: Mesa Public Schools.
Rickels, D. A. (2005). Sousa and his music. In Arden, A. (Ed.), Symphony for the Schools! Concert Education Guide (April 28th-29th, 2005). Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.
INVITED CLINIC PRESENTATIONS:
Rickels, D. A. (2009, January). SMARTboard for the music classroom. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Mesa, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. (2009, January). Enhanced music class with PowerPoint. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Mesa, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. (2008, January). Creating effect with marching band drill design software. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Mesa, AZ.
Rickels, D. A., Bertilson, J., Darus, N. & Kloss, T. (2008, January). Encountering technology in the music classroom. Panel discussion presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Mesa, AZ.
Bush, J. E., Rickels, D. A., Sanchez, L. & Sharer, M. (2004, January). The first three years: New teacher discussion. Panel discussion presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Mesa, AZ.
Ramos, R., Rickels, D. A., & Cortney, J. (2003, April). Experiences of first-year music teachers. Panel discussion presented for the Arizona State University CMENC chapter, Tempe, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. & Gendvilas, L. (2000, February). Using Finale® for advanced users. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Tempe, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. & Gendvilas, L. (2000, February). Using Finale® for intermediate users. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Tempe, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. & Gendvilas, L. (2000, February). Using Finale® for beginning users. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Tempe, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. & Gendvilas, L. (1999, January). Using Finale®. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona Music Educators Association, Tempe, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. (1998, August). At ease with Finale®. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona String Teachers Association, Scottsdale, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. (1998, August). Using internet resources for music educators. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Arizona String Teachers Association, Scottsdale, AZ.
Rickels, D. A. (1998, June). At ease with Finale®. Seminar presented at the annual conference of the Music Teachers National Association, Arizona chapter, Scottsdale, AZ.
RELATED TEACHING, PROFESSIONAL, AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES:
Textbook Reviewer
Duckworth, W. (2010). A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Schirmer, Cengage Learning.
Panelist, National CMENC Chapter Awards Evaluation Committee, 2008
Officer, Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA)
State Board Member: Music Technology Chairperson, January 2007-Present
Co-Chairperson, AMEA New Teacher Celebration Event, 2007
Member, State Committee on Teacher Recruitment and Retention, 2005-2007
Festival Chair, State Solo and Ensemble Festival – North Central Region, 2003-2005
Site Host, West Region Honor Festival of Performance, February 2003
Site Host, Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Area Concert Festival, February 2003
Festival Host, North Canyon Marching Invitational, ABODA, October 2003
Web Designer
Arizona State University CMENC Chapter, 2007-2009
- http://www.asu.edu/clubs/cmenc/
- iTunes U public content channel – in iTunes, search: ASU CMENC
- Podcasting featured in MENC Collegiate Newslink, January 2008: http://www.menc.org/networks/collegiate/newslink/archives/08jan/January2008NewsLink.html
Adjudicator
Concert Ensembles
- Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) Junior High Concert Band Festivals, 2007, 2008
- Gilbert (AZ) District Junior High Concert Band Festival, 2007, 2008
- AMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival – Central Region: Woodwinds, 2001, 2002
Marching Band
- Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA)
o Visual Performance Adjudicator, 2005-Present
o Visual Effect Adjudicator, 2005-Present
Winter Guard and Indoor Drumline
- Winter Guard Arizona (WGAZ)
o Color Guard Ensemble Analysis Caption Facilitator, 2005-Present
o Percussion Visual Adjudicator, 2004-Present
o Color Guard Ensemble Analysis Adjudicator, 2003-Present
o Color Guard General Effect Adjudicator, 2002-Present
- Attended Judges’ Academy for Winter Guard International, Dayton, OH – April 2005
Marching Band Visual Designer
Principal staff visual designer for Gary P. Gilroy Field Show Publications, Reno, NV (www.gpgmusic.com)
Independent freelance drill writing (http://www.public.asu.edu/~drickels/drill/)
Clients have included:
- Joliet West H.S. (Joliet, IL) – 2008
- Sandra Day O’Connor H.S. (Phoenix, AZ) – 2008
- Willowridge H.S. (Houston, TX) – 2007, 2008
- Mountain View H.S. (Mesa, AZ) – 2006, Superior with Distinction (I+) rating at AZ State Marching Festival (Division 1); 2007, Superior (I) rating with Visual Performance and General Effect captions at AZ State Marching Festival (Division 1)
Marching Band Instructor and Clinician
Staff member/clinician for high school marching bands
- Willowridge H.S., TX – Clinician, 2007, 2008
- Corona del Sol H.S., AZ – Woodwind Caption Head, 2001
- Gilbert H.S., AZ – Woodwind Caption Head, 2001
- Deer Valley H.S., AZ – Visual Instructor, 2000 & 2001
- Thunderbird H.S., AZ – Clinician, 2001
- Arcadia H.S., AZ – Visual Instructor, 1999; Assistant Marching Band Director and Assistant Visual Designer, 2000
- Mountain Ridge H.S., AZ – Visual/Music Technician,1997
- Barry Goldwater H.S., AZ – Visual/Music Technician & Music Arranger, 1997
Instructional staff member for Star of Nevada Marching Auxiliaries Camp (drum majors), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Thomas G. Leslie, Director), 1997-1999
Instructional staff member for Marching Auxiliaries Camp (drum majors), Northern Arizona University (Rick McEnaney, Director), 1999 & 2002
Private Instrumental Instructor
Freelance private lesson instructor (Clarinet), 1995-2006
Instrumental instructor for Music Works Academy, Phoenix, AZ (Clarinet, Trumpet, & Saxophone), 2001-2002
Instrumental instructor for North Phoenix Baptist Church Music Academy, Phoenix, AZ (Clarinet), 1998
CERTIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Arizona Standard Secondary Teaching Certificate with K-12 Music Endorsement
Music Educator’s National Conference (MENC)
Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA)
Society for Music Teacher Education
Member of Area of Strategic Planning and Action for Teacher Recruitment
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Beta Omicron Chapter – Honorary Member, 2007
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE:
Major performing instrument: Clarinet
Co-Conductor, Arizona State University Concert Band, 2007
Assistant Conductor, Mesa Community College Day Concert Band, 2006-2007
Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Dr. Michael Willson, Conductor), 2003-2007 (Clarinet)
Arizona Wind Symphony (Bill Richardson, Conductor), 2001-2005 (Clarinet); Guest Conductor, May 2003
Arizona Academy Brass & Percussion Ensemble, 2001 (Mellophone, lead)
Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps – Denver, Colorado, 2000 (Hornline: Mellophone)
Freelance performer for musicals and shows
AWARDS AND GRANTS:
Supervised student teacher Matthew Herzberg, recipient of the Outstanding Student Teacher Award from ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education – Fall 2007
Arizona State University Graduate Fellowship award – January 2007
Katherine K. Herberger Endowed Fellowship in Music – 2006-2008
ArtsWork Research Award for Graduate Student Research – March 2006
Westwood H.S. Winter Drumline State Silver Medalists, 2006 Scholastic Regional A division
Outstanding Graduate Student in Music Education 2004-2005 – ASU School of Music, May 2005
Westwood H.S. Winter Guard State Bronze Medalists, 2004 Scholastic Regional division
Tempe Kiwanis Club Grant, Westwood High School Band, October 2004
Wells Fargo Teacher Partner Program Grant, September 2004
Mesa Arts and Cultural Mini-grant, West Mesa Schools Recruitment Project, October 2003
Outstanding Student Teacher Award – ASU College of Education, December 2001
Sun Devil Star Award for Outstanding Campus Leadership, May 2000
ASU Medallion of Merit Award/Scholarship for academic achievement, August 1997