CHANDLER MCLAUGHLIN

672 Corby Glen Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23322 · (757) 848-7313

mclaugcb@dukes.jmu.edu

I am seeking a position as a music teacher, as I want to spread my love of music and help impact
students’ lives through music-making.

EXPERIENCE
2019 – PRESENT: SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, CHESAPEAKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
As a substitute teacher, I have tried to take any music positions that I can get my hands on, as it
allows me to get real experience working in music classrooms. Occasionally, the teachers that are
familiar with me have let me design my own lessons.

SUMMER 2019: BRASS TECH, GRASSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING GRIZZLIES

In this position, I acted as a direct assistant to the band directors. I had roles in editing music,
teaching the brass in sectionals and large ensemble, and assisting with teaching and creating
choreography.

SUMMER 2018: BAND STAFF, HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING HAWKS

In this position, I had a role in teaching drill and other visual elements to the whole band, musical
revision of the show, and leading the flutes and low brass during music sectionals.

EDUCATION

EXPECTED GRADUATION MAY 2021, BACHELOR OF MUSIC, CONCENTRATION IN

EDUCATION, JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
Current 3.8 GPA with a 3.9 GPA within the Major. Dean’s list three semesters and President’s List
in two. Formerly in JMU Symphonic Band, current member of Symphony and Brass Band.

JUNE 2017: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL

Graduated with honors and a 4.7 GPA. 18th out of 420 while participating in multiple
extracurricular music groups, including marching band, jazz band, and youth orchestra.

RELEVANT SKILLS
• Vast understanding of brass pedagogy.
• Good communication skills.
• Experience in carpentry; can build and design
props for marching band show.
• Good conducting skills/podium presence.
• Strong ability to read multiple clefs and
transpose fluently
• Can improvise in the classroom, if necessary

ACTIVITIES
In addition to my main ensembles at JMU, I have previously participated in the Marching Royal Dukes
and am a current member of the JMU Brass Band. When I am not doing schoolwork or playing
trombone, I enjoy spending time outdoors fishing and working on my car.
Chandler McLaughlin
(757) 848-7313
mclaugcb@dukes.jmu.edu
March 3, 2020

Dear Administrator,

I am looking forward to the opportunity to interview for the Band Director position at
Eastside Middle School. Ever since my formative days as a student in my own middle school
band, I have always dreamed about being a band director. The idea of being around music and
getting to share the joy it has brought me with countless students has always seemed like a great
way to not only make a career, but a way to make a true impact on the world. The possibility to
work with a diverse population of students and in turn learn and share their respective musical
heritages seems like a very engaging job.
In my coursework at James Madison University, I have done a great deal of work to
expand my understanding of various musical styles on my primary instrument, on secondary
instruments, and from theoretical and aural standpoints. I mostly do this through playing,
listening to, and studying repertoire from various traditions. Personally, I feel that repertoire
choice is the key component to creating not only well-rounded musicians, but also a music
classroom that is inclusive of students from all backgrounds.
One thing that I feel has helped me prepare for my career as a teacher is my time
substitute teaching. While I will say that it is not exactly the same, mostly because you do not
have time to use your relationships with your students, I feel there is a lot of transfer. When I
have substitute taught and staffed band camps, I have been charged with teaching music classes
with all sorts of different ages, abilities, and demographics, which brings experience to the table
on my behalf, especially for a position at a school with a diverse population.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Chandler McLaughlin