Mary Helen Binder

 (571) 449-1506 | maryhbinder@gmail.com | marybinder.weebly.com

Education
Bachelor of Music | James Madison University | Aug. 2018-May 2022
Major: Music Education | Concentration: Instrumental - Strings | GPA: 3.89
[Pending] Virginia Collegiate Professional License
Endorsements: Music Education - Instrumental & Vocal/Choral, PreK-12

Professional Experience
Albemarle County Public Schools, Student Teacher & Substitute | Jan.-June 2022
My student teaching placement was an itinerant position at two middle schools and one high
school. This extended placement allowed me more time to connect with my students and to
thoroughly learn the logistics behind a large orchestra program. I gradually took over teaching
all nine string orchestra classes in week four, and conducted in their three concerts during the
semester. I have since remained a substitute teacher in ACPS until the end of their school year.
Got Strings, Violist | Nov. 2018-Present
Got Strings contracts string musicians to play at weddings and other special events. Playing
with Got Strings has improved my communication, leadership, and technical proficiency due to
the high level of independent preparation necessary to perform without prior rehearsal.
JMU Club Orchestra, Student Conductor | Fall 2021
As a conductor in JMU’s Club Orchestra, I chose and prepared a selection to rehearse weekly
with the group, which consisted primarily of non-music majors, and some music majors
playing on a secondary instrument.
American String Teachers Association, Historian | Mar.-Sept 2021
My position as the JMU Chapter Historian involved building our website and promoting our
events on social media. I have since passed on the position to my younger peers, but continue
to be an active member of ASTA at the local, state, and national levels.
Private Instructor | Mar. 2020-Mar. 2021
In the early stages of the pandemic, my colleague started a program providing free virtual
lessons for students unable to authentically participate in school music programs. I taught
three students individually for several weeks, and later built my own private studio.
Center for Inclusive Music Engagement, Center Innovator | Jan. 2020-May 2021
As a volunteer for the CIME at JMU, I pursued independent research and served as Creative
Director for JMUke, a community engagement program that encourages impromptu,
collaborative music-making with ukuleles.
Recent Recognitions
● H. L. Harris Scholarship, 2021 recipient
● 2020 World Conference, International Society for Music Education, accepted presenter
● General Academic Achievement Award, 2019 recipient & presenter
● Scholarship for The Children of Missionaries, 2019-2021 recipient
Community Engagement
● Advanced Volunteer, Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA
● Virginia Medical Reserve Corps