About Gary Murch

PHILOSOPHY/MISSION

My mission is to help children love music. It is my hope that the experiences I present to my students will prepare them for a life long process of learning, understanding and enjoying music. I believe that music literacy – the ability to think, read, write and create music - is a birth right for everyone.  Character education is equally as important to me as academics.

SKILLS
    • Educate children in Prek-12 • Trained to instruct string, woodwind, brass & percussion instruments
    • Sequence instruction   • Conduct choral and orchestral music • Design & coordinate musical performances  • Arrange & compose music with Sibelius software     

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts    2003
    • Graduate Studies
    • Foundations of Music Education

Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts Class of 1985

    • Bachelor of Music (BM)
    • Professional Music and Composition Major

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

W.E. Cherry Elementary School, Orange Park, Florida    2004-Present

Music Teacher

    • Teach music to entire school population consisting of 700 students per week, in PreK - grade 6
    • Provide instruction in chorus, orchestral strings, guitar, recorder and classroom percussion instruments.  Settings include small groups of 4 students to a chorus of 65 singers
    • Devised and implemented a music curriculum consistent with State and National Standards
    • Collaborate with teachers to design most appropriate music curriculum to meet needs of all students, especially students with special needs
    • Plan and direct holiday concerts and cultural celebrations

Sponsored Activities

    • Cherry Jammers Hip Hop Band
    • Cherry Pickers Bluegrass Band
    • WEC Chorus
    • Violin Class
    • String Orchestra
    • Guitar Club
    • Summer Music & Reading Camp

Don’t Miss A Beat Academy for the Arts, Jacksonville, Florida    2015-Present

    • Orchestral Strings Instructor, Arts Academy and Summer Camp Grades - 4-12

Music & Arts, Jacksonville, Florida    2015-Present  

    • Provide Lessons in Guitar, Cello, Double Bass Violin & Trombone - Grades K-12

First Coast School of Music, Jacksonville Florida    2010-2015

    • Provided Lessons in Piano, Guitar, Violin & Drums

Home-Based Music and Art Studio, Macclenny, Florida    2005-2016

    • Taught private and group instrumental lessons

Arlington School Lawrence, Massachusetts    2000-2004

    Elementary Music Teacher

    • Taught music to students in grades 1-4.  Each class had 20-25 students
    • Responsible for devising and implementing a music curriculum that was consistent with State and National standards
    • Planned and directed holiday concerts and cultural celebrations.  Assisted with school drama productions
    • Provided support for “Success for All” reading curriculum.  Duties in this area included assessment and instruction
    • Taught guitar and world drumming - Northern Essex Community College 21st Century Program

Professional Musician Greater Boston, Massachusetts    1974-2000  

    • Trombonist and Double Bass Player
    • Extensive experience performing and arranging music in a variety of styles and venues including: show bands, jazz combos, bands, classical brass ensembles, church and community
    • Performed throughout United States, Canada and Europe

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

    • National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Designated Member

HONORS & AWARDS

    • Selected one of five finalists for Clay County, Florida, Teacher of the Year 2013-2014
    • Teacher of the Year, W.E. Cherry Elementary School, Orange Park, FL 2013-2014
    • Participated in a Clay County School District focus group to assist in improving communication between school administration, staff, parents and community - 2013  
    • Awarded Grants totaling $3,500 for purchase of violins & bows and tuition for children attending music camp - Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra 2009 - 20175
    • Invited to have students perform at Clay County Teacher of Year reception in 2011& 2015
    • Served on committee to select music series for the Clay County music curriculum 2011
    • Hosted auditions at W.E. Cherry for the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus 2010
    • National Board Certified Teacher, Music/Early and Middle Childhood 2009-2019
    • Student accomplishments under leadership: performances with North Florida Bluegrass Assoc. Youth Band; Jacksonville Children’s Chorus & Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra
    • Florida Professional Teaching Certificate – Music (K-12)