Why do you have a Questions and Answers page?
I want a space on this site dedicated to addressing specific topics that may not fit easily on a resume or that you may not remember to ask me in person at our interview (hint hint).

I didn't see something addressed here.  Can I send you a question?
Yes!  Please do.  You can email questions to me.  My address is brian@berlinfamily.org

What is your principal instrument?
Though I started on piano first, I consider Trombone to be my principal instrument.  It was my principal instrument in college.  Take a look at my resume under "Performance Background" for a list of other instruments I've spent significant time performing on.

Where did you go to college?
My music studies were at the University of Texas at Austin.  After three years, I decided to change majors to Healthcare Administration, getting my Bachelor of Science in that field from the University of Houston - Clear Lake in 1995.  I have also done some coursework recently toward my Master of Music Education at the University of Houston.

Are you a "Highly Qualified" Texas teacher?
Yes, I am considered Highly Qualified in EC-12 Music.  I have passed my TExES content exam and completed more than the requisite coursework to be hireable as a teacher in the great state of Texas. 

Do you possess a Texas teaching certificate?
I anticipate having my Texas EC-12 Music Teaching Certificate in December 2011 (TExES EC-12 Music: Passed).

What is your TEA ID?
1698428

What area and grade do you hope to teach?
There are really so many wonderful opportunities out there, that this is a difficult question.  The short answer is, it doesn't matter all that much.   I go back and forth between Intermediate Band and 3-5 General Music.  Those are the most appealing to me at this point. 

What do you bring to the table that places you ahead of other applicants?
While I will be a first-year teacher when I'm hired, I'll be a first year teacher with years of teaching experience under his belt.  I have been the Assistant Band Director (volunteer) at Bay Area Christian School for 8 years.  My role there has varied from classroom instruction (when the band used to meet before school and it didn't conflict with my work schedule), helping students and parents select beginning band instruments, writing marching shows, rehearsing the band during summer band camp, selecting band methods, selecting orchestra methods, instrument repairs, fundraising, arranging music for limited instrumentation, and so on.   I also founded the Clear Lake Caledonian Pipe Band and taught children and adults alike how to play the Great Highland Bagpipes, pipe band snare drumming, and bass drumming in class and individual lessons.  I have been a private lessons instructor from my Junior year in high school through 2010.

Do you have a teaching philosophy?
Ii is my belief that teaching music should involve primarily "musical" activities.  Reading and writing about music isn't nearly as effective as listening, performing, and creating (composing).  As much as possible, activities in the music classroom should involve these three elements.