MATTHEW DAVID SYPEK

P.O. Box 468 • Thorndike, MA 01079 • (413) 626-8150 • mattsypek@gmail.com

CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION

University of Massachusetts – Amherst, MA 2016 – 2018

Master of Music (M.Mus.) in Wind Band Conducting – Conferred May 2018
• Primary studies in Wind Band Conducting/Ensembles with Dr. Matthew Westgate, Director of Wind Studies/Conductor of Wind Ensemble and
Symphonic Band
• Secondary studies in Athletic Bands/Wind Band Conducting/Ensembles with Dr. Timothy Anderson, Director of The Minuteman Marching
Band and Athletic Bands

University of Massachusetts – Amherst, MA 2008 – 2012

Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) in Music Education – Conferred May 2012
• Primary studies in Music Education & Pedagogy with Dr. Lisa Lehmberg
• Primary studies in Wind Band Conducting/Ensembles with Dr. James Patrick Miller, former Director of Wind Studies
• Primary studies in Applied Trumpet with Professor Eric Berlin
• Secondary studies in Athletic Bands/Marching Band Techniques/Band Administration with Professor George N. Parks, former Director of the
Minuteman Marching Band and Athletic Bands and Dr. Timothy Todd Anderson, Director of The Minuteman Marching Band and Athletic
Bands

Holyoke Community College – Holyoke, MA 2006 – 2008

Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Music Performance – Conferred June 2008
• Primary studies in Applied Trumpet with Professor Peter Grimaldi
• Secondary studies in Conducting/Music Education with Dr. Janet Polvino

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

University of Massachusetts – Amherst, MA 2016 – 2018

Graduate Teaching Assistant – Concert and Athletic Bands
Athletic Band Instruction
• Served as a graduate teaching assistant under the supervision of Dr. Timothy Todd Anderson, Director of Athletic Bands
• Led marching and music rehearsals for the 400-member Minuteman Marching Band
• Assisted as on-field conductor and instructor
• Wrote drill for half time shows
• Assisted with auditions and show planning process
• Directed the Pep Band at Basketball and Hockey games, including the Men’s A10 tournament in Pittsburg, PA in 2016
• Arranged music for the Athletic Bands
Concert Band/Conducting Area Instruction
• Served as a graduate teaching assistant under the supervision of Dr. Matthew Westgate, Director of Wind Studies
• Conducted and rehearsed the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Brass Choir, and Chamber Winds
• Team-taught undergraduate conducting classes with Dr. Matthew Westgate and Professor Morihiko Nakahara, Director of Orchestras
Administration/Other Duties
• Coordinated concert and performance logistics, including programs and advertisement
• Oversaw the organization and maintenance of an extensive wind band library
• Assisted in collecting and grading assignments for ensembles and undergraduate conducting classes
• Assisted in the planning and coordination of the CBDNA Athletic Band Symposium in May 2017
• Coordinator of the annual Honor Band festival in February of 2017, with over 250 students from New England participating
• Assisted in the coordination of guest composer and conductor residencies
• Administrative assistant for the 2016 and 2017 UMass Conducting Workshop
• Represented the UMass Department of Music and Dance at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL

Converse Middle School – Palmer, MA 2012 – 2016

Instrumental Music Teacher
Teaching Duties
• Taught all woodwind, brass, and percussion lessons to students in grades 5-7
• Directed the Beginner Band (grade 5), Junior Band (grades 6 and 7), and Jazz Band
• Assistant Director and drill writer for the Palmer High School Marching Band
• Co-director of the Palmer-Monson Community Band
Administration/Other Duties
• Worked closely with administration and faculty to ensure a positive and supportive musical education for all students
• Collaborated with administration, other district music faculty, and the parent booster organization with concert planning, community events and
outreach, and fundraising
• Responsible for the recruitment and retention of band students – achieved a participant rate of 10-12% of the student population and a 94%
retention rate during my tenure
 • Created and implemented assessments to monitor student growth compliant with district requirements and state/national standards and
achieved a high level of student achievement during my tenure
• Oversaw the organization and maintenance of the concert band library and school-owned instruments
• Served as Assistant Manager (2012) and Manager (2013) of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Western Junior District Band
• Served as Assistant Manager (2012) and Manager (2013) of the Quabbin Valley Music Educators Association Junior Band

Central Connecticut State University 2012 - 2017

Interim Pep Band Director (Nov. 2015 – Feb. 2016)
Marching Band Visual and Marching Staff
Teaching Duties
• Led music and marching rehearsals and sectionals for the CCSU Blue Devil Marching Band
• Directed the CCSU Pep Band at basketball games
• Assisted as an on-field instructor
Administration/Other Duties
• Assisted with equipment, music, uniforms, and other logistics as needed
• Designed drill for the marching band pre-game show
• Assisted in the show design process

Student Teaching 2012

Deerfield Elementary School – Deerfield, MA
Palmer High School – Palmer, MA

ADDITIONAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE

George N. Parks Drum Major Academy 2018 – Present

Teaching Staff
Teaching Duties
• Instruct student workshop participants in conducting, rehearsal techniques, score study, leadership, and teaching skills
Administration/Other Duties
• Supervises student workshop participants during sessions, breaks, and in dormitories
• Assists with registration, equipment organization and maintenance, merchandise, and other logistics as needed

CERTIFICATION and LICENSURE

Massachusetts Department of Ele mentary and Secondary Education

Initial License – Music: Vocal/Instrumental/General, All levels

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS and MEMBERSHIPS

National Association for Music Education International Trumpet Guild

Massachusetts Music Educators Association Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association
Quabbin Valley Music Educators Association College Band Directors National Association
New Hampshire Music Educators Association Kappa Kappa Psi – Honorary Fraternity for College Bandsmen

HONORS and AWARDS

Distinguished Teaching Assistant Award (Nominee) 2018

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Dean’s List 2012

University of Massachusetts

Student Achievement Recognition Award 2008

Music Teachers National Association

WORKSHOPS and CONFERENCES ATTENDED

College Band Directors National Association 2018

Eastern Division Conference
Yale University

Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic 2017

Chicago, IL
UMass Conducting Institute 2017
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dr. Matthew Westgate, Director of Wind Studies
Dr. Michael Votta, guest clinician
Frank Battisti, guest clinician

College Band Directors National Association 2017

Athletic Band Symposium
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic 2016

Chicago, IL

UMass Conducting Institute 2016

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dr. Matthew Westgate, Director of Wind Studies
Dr. Rodney Winther, guest clinician
Frank Battisti, guest clinician

New England Band Directors Institute 2016

Plymouth State University
Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of Bands

New England Band Directors Institute 2015

Plymouth State University
Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of Bands

Massachusetts Instrumental and Ch oral Conductors Association 2013

Summer Institute
Hopkinton High School – Hopkinton, MA

Massachusetts Instrumental and Ch oral Conductors Association 2012

Summer Institute
Hopkinton High School – Hopkinton, MA

SELECTED PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE (CONDUCTING)

Collegiate Ensembles
• University of Massachusetts Concert Band 2016 – 2018
• University of Massachusetts Symphony Band 2016 – 2018
• University of Massachusetts Wind Ensemble 2016 – 2018
• University of Massachusetts Pep Bands 2016 – 2018
• Central Connecticut State University Pep Band 2014 – 2015
Public School Ensembles
• Converse Middle School Bands 2012 – 2016
Community Ensembles
• Palmer–Monson Community Band 2012 – 2016

SELECTED PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE (TRUMPET)

Professional Ensembles
• The Valley Winds – Amherst, MA 2012 - Present
Collegiate Ensembles
• University of Massachusetts Wind Ensemble – Amherst, MA 2008 – 2012, 2016 – 2018
• University of Massachusetts Symphony Band – Amherst, MA 2008 – 2012
• University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band – Amherst, MA 2008 – 2012
• University of Massachusetts Chapel Jazz Ensemble – Amherst, MA 2008 – 2011
Community Ensembles
• Palmer–Monson Community Band – Palmer, MA 2012 – 2016
• Old Post Road Orchestra – Wilbraham, MA 2012 – 2015
• Heritage Pops Jazz Orchestra – Ludlow, MA 2012 – Present
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Dr. Matthew Westgate
Director of Wind Studies
University of Massachusetts
2 Fine Arts Center
151 Presidents Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545 – 6056
mwestgate@music.umass.edu
Dr. Timothy Anderson
Assistant Professor of Music/
Director of Minuteman Marching
Band
University of Massachusetts
George N. Parks Building
110 Grinnell Way
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 577 – 1582
tanderson@music.umass.edu
Dr. Lauren Reynolds Mr. Christopher Beaudry
Assistant Professor/ Director of Bands
Director of Concert Bands Palmer High School
University of Delaware 4105 Main Street
309 DuPont Music Building Palmer, MA 01079
100 Orchard Road (413) 283 – 6511
Newark, DE 19716 cbeaudry@palmerschools.org
(302) 831 – 1991
lhr@udel.edu