MARISSA WELLER

EDUCATION
Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI December 2018
Bachelor of Music, Music Education
Michigan State University Honors College
Michigan Provisional Teaching Certificate K-12 Music (JX)
Primary Teachers – Dr. David Thornton (Conducting), Richard Sherman (Flute)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Oxford Community Schools – Oxford, MI January 2019–Present
Director of Orchestras (Oxford High School), K-12 String Coordinator, Suzuki Coordinator

Conducting and Teaching:

● Symphony Orchestra
● Concert Orchestra
● Chamber Orchestra
● Symphonic Band
● Concert Orchestra
● 4th/5th Grade Beginning Orchestra (in-person and virtual)
● Introduction to Piano (Grades 9–10)
● Piano A/B (Grades 11–12)
● Wildcat Marching Band (Assistant Director)
● Production Manager, Oxford High School Musical

Teaching Contributions
● Commissioned Michael Hopkins to compose string orchestra piece, “The Eternal Light” for
the Oxford High School students of the 2021-2022 school year
● Initiated high school orchestra student leadership positions and held summer leadership
training to foster a culture of artistry, excellence, and collaboration via peer mentoring and a
spirit of student ownership and investment in the program
● Implemented audition process for Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, increasing
standards of excellence and individual accountability
● Provide opportunities for guest performers to share alternative genres and styles of playing
including improvisation, fiddle music, and electronic instruments
● Program repertoire that includes winds and choral students in an effort to develop
collaboration across the entire music department and to provide a wider variety of musical
experiences for students
● Increased student involvement in MSBOA District & State Solo and Ensemble Festivals
● Developed and implemented scaffolded curriculum and learning progressions for all Oxford
High School piano courses
● Assist with instruction of visual technique and design for the Wildcat Marching Band
 MARISSA WELLER
CV 2

Administrative:
● Supervise all logistical aspects of the orchestra program including curriculum planning,
music library organization, budgeting, and fundraising
● Communicate with parents and supporters via monthly newsletters on student achievements,
upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities
● Coordinate travel, fundraising, and performances for Oxford High School Orchestras
including trips to New York City (April 2019/April 2023) and Orlando, FL (November
2021/November 2024)
● Advocated, designed, and organized new high school orchestra rehearsal space
● Initiated partnership with the BeeHive Homes of Oxford Memory Care Facility with weekly
student volunteer performances
● Collaborate with Oxford Township Parks and Recreation to establish Oxford Orchestra
holiday performances in local parks for Oxford residents
● Hosted MSBOA District Band and Orchestra Festival at Oxford High School
● Provide workshops with guest clinicians on instrument maintenance, musician wellness,
leadership training, sectionals, and music opportunities beyond high school
● Initiated use of CutTime management software to facilitate effective organization of mass
communication, assignment submissions, music library, and inventory
● As Suzuki Coordinator, managed staff and scheduling for K–5 Suzuki Strings Program
● Production Manager for Oxford High School Musical Theater production, Little Women and
Newsies

Okemos Public Schools – Okemos, MI January 2018-December 2018

Student Teacher (Fall 2018), Student Intern (Spring 2018)

Conducting and Teaching:

● Wind Ensemble
● Concert Band
● Freshman Band
● Chieftain Marching Band
● High School Jazz Band
● 7th/8th Grade Band
Teaching Contributions
● Rehearsed and performed traditional wind band repertoire with each concert ensemble
● Developed and implemented improvisational curriculum with high school jazz band
● Led and assisted Chieftain Marching Band after-school rehearsals, football game
performances, and exhibitions/invitationals
Administrative:
● Implemented the use of Charms Office Assistant for all band programs to help with mass
communication, assignment submissions, and logistical organization
● Coordinated travel and chaperoned trip to Grand Rapids for Okemos Wind Ensemble’s
performance at the Michigan Music Conference
● Assisted with hosting MSBOA District and State Solo and Ensemble and MSBOA District
Band and Orchestra Festival
 MARISSA WELLER
CV 3

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Conducting Symposiums
2022 University of Michigan Conducting Symposium
2021 University of Michigan Conducting Symposium (Accepted Participant)
2020 University of California, Los Angeles Conducting Workshop (Accepted Participant)
2018 University of Colorado Boulder Wind Conducting Symposium
2018 Michigan State University Conducting Symposium
2018 Michigan Music Conference Orchestral Conducting Symposium
2017 University of Minnesota Conducting Symposium
2017 Northwestern University Conducting and Wind Music Symposium

Conferences
2023, 2014–2019 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic - Chicago, IL
2023- Conducting Participant, “If You Conduct Better” Larry Livingston and Carl St. Clair, Clinicians
2015- Present Michigan Music Conference - Grand Rapids, MI
2024- Speaker, Resilience as a Music Educator
2023 Speaker, Oakland County Music Teachers Conference- Oakland County, MI
2022 American String Teachers Association Conference- Virtual

AWARDS
2022 MSBOA District 3 Teacher of the Year

REFERENCES
Jean Lee Dr. Joel Schut Dr. Judy Palac
Instructor and Coordinator Director of Orchestras Professor Emeritus
of String Music Education Grand Valley State Michigan State University
Michigan State University University

PERFORMANCES
March 2022- Oxford High School Symphony Orchestra: To Tame the Raging Rapids
March 2022- Oxford High School Symphony Orchestra: Elgar's Nimrod
October 2021- Oxford High School Orchestras Spooktacular Fall Concert
May 2021- Oxford High School Orchestras Spring Concert "Celebrate"
March 2021- Oxford High School Orchestras Festival Season Performance
October 2020- Oxford High School Orchestras Spooktacular Fall Concert
March 2020- Oxford High School Symphony Orchestra: She Will Hang the Night with Stars
March 2020- Oxford High School Symphony Orchestra: Carmen Suite