Julia Weisshaar-MullinCity, State: Creston, IA
Number of years - member of NAfME: 10
Number of years - member of IMEA: 5
Total career number of years teaching: 25
Other arts organizations you're a member of: ACDA/ICDA
If you've served on the IMEA Board of Directors, which positions have you serve in? Southwest Area Chair
Colleges or institutions you've studied at and which degrees or certificates you’ve received? Bachelors in Music Ed, University of Kansas, Kodaly Level I, Nebraska Wesleyan, Talented and Gifted Endorsement, University of Iowa. I'm currently pursuing my masters in choral conducting at Simpson College.
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What schools have you taught at and what did you teach?
Maur Hill/Academy of Mt. St Scholastica Atchison KS. 9-12 Instrumental/Vocal. Clarke Community, Osceola K-6 general music. Clearfield School, PK-6 Instrumental & Vocal. Diagonal School, PK-12 instrumental & vocal.
What made you go into teaching?
I couldn't imagine doing anything else (and I found I didn't have the ego to be a professional performer!)
What has been one of your most enjoyable moments about teaching?
To see the light come on in the kid's eyes when they grasp a concept or accomplish more than they ever thought possible.
What has been one of your funniest moments in teaching?
After our program last week, a first grader seriously told me that all directors must have to have nice rear-ends because thats what the audience has to look at it all during the concert.
Something in your teaching career you’re proud of
Keeping my standards high, and supporting my students to reach their potential.
Why are you a member of IMEA?
IMEA offers excellent opportunities for networking and professional development - it is important to be a part of a community, especially when you are the only music educator at your school! IMEA keeps me informed of trends and research in music education, challenging me to keep learning and growing as a teacher. IMEA supports us in our goals to be the best musicians and educators we can be!
If we looked at your iTunes or Spotify, what music would we find in your "Recently Played" list?
Americana: Brandi Carlile. Tedeschi Trucks Band. The Jayhawks. Nanci Griffith.
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
Play gigs with my family (Americana, oldies), garden, follow politics.
What do you like to do with your summers?
Study, play music, garden. I'm in my second year of my summer masters program so that will completely take over this summer!
What do you want music education to look like in 20 years?
MORE interactive collaboration between students, utilizing technology to create music. MORE exploration of music from across the world which opens up understanding of our shared humanity.