Katherine (Katie) Fries

2923 Brattleboro Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311

Phone: (608) 386-6070
Email: katie.fries@drake.edu

Education
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Bachelor of Music Education
Concentration: Choral Music
GPA: 3.54
Presidents List: Spring 2012

December 2015

Deans List: Fall 2011, Spring 2014, Spring 2015

Student Teaching Experience

High School Choir Teacher
August-October 2015
Johnston High School, Johnston School District, Johnston, Iowa
Assisted with show choir camp weekends
Rehearsed with auditioned womens and mixed choirs and non-auditoned mixed choir
Collaborated with both choral directors to plan lessons
Elementary General Music Teacher
October-December 2015
Willowbrook Elementary, Southeast Polk Community School District, Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Encouraged critical thinking through discussing music around the world
Facilitated musical activities to teach fundamentals of rhythm and note names
Taught 2nd and 4th grade winter programs

Practicum Experience
High School Choir Teacher
Spring 2015
Dowling Catholic High School, Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, West Des Moines, Iowa
Provided feedback in show choir rehearsals
Observed and evaluated mixed chorus singing
9th Grade Band Teacher
Fall 2013
Valley Southwoods, West Des Moines Community School District, West Des Moines, Iowa
Guided rehearsal of jazz band
Instructed individual lessons
5th-6th Grade Band Teacher
Fall 2012
Westwood Elementary/Crocker Elementary, Ankeny Community School District, Ankeny, Iowa
Coached group lessons of beginning band students
Evaluated achievement and comprehension levels of students through playing tests
High School Band Teacher
East High School, Des Moines Public School District, Des Moines, Iowa
Rehearsed variety of band repertoire
Facilitated discussion in general music (music history, world music)

Spring 2012

Related Experience
Kids On Stage Music Director (Appleseed Community Theatre)

August 2015

Differentiated music rehearsal techniques for all levels of music learners

Collaborated with staff to assist in memorization of lines, choreography, and music
Managed cast of 46 children ages 4-13

Sigma Alpha Iota- Pi Chapter Choir Director

August 2013-present
Selected repertoire for SSAA, SATB choirs (combined choir with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia)
Rehearsed repertoire with choir for public performances
Blue Stars Music Camp Liaison
Facilitated learning while navigating a typical day of drum corps
Answered questions brought up by participants and teachers

June-July 2015

Volunteer with La Crosse Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps

May 2014-present
Prepared four meals per day on food truck
Collaborated with other volunteers to complete tasks around rehearsal site

Additional Experience
Des Moines Civic Center Box Office Staff Supervisor
May 2015-present
Answered customer inquiries regarding shows and performance venues
Handled customer transactions
Cooperated with other staff to provide efficient interactions with patrons
Harmon Fine Arts Center Box Office Staff
Collaborated on problem-solving tasks
Handled customer transactions and questions

August 2014-present

Scholarships
Kathleen Davison Award from Sigma Alpha Iota- Des Moines Alumnae Chapter
April 2015
Elizabeth Vetter Scholarship
August 2013-present
Richard Kissinger Scholarship
August 2012-May 2013
Drake Fine Arts Scholarship
August 2011-present
Trustee Scholarship for Academic Merit
August 2011-present
Presidential Scholarship for Academic Merit
August 2011-present

Activities and Honors

Member of Student National Association of Teachers of Singing
Member of American Choral Directors Association
Music Chair- Sigma Alpha Iota Pi Chapter
Member of Sigma Alpha Iota-Pi Chapter
Member for Collegiate National Association for Music Education

April 2015-present
August 2014-present
August 2014-May 2015
May 2012-present
August 2011-present

Other Skills
Training in Movement I (Laban method), Acting I, and American Musical Theatre History
Basic set building skills (including use of power tools)
10 years of trumpet playing experience in classical, jazz, and marching band/drum corps
Familiar with fundamental piano skills