ANDREW SPARROW FOOTE

Address

15 South Ave, Apt. C

Harrisonburg, VA 22801
footeas@dukes.jmu.edu
703-975-6276

Introduction

I had been fortunate in my education growing up to be blessed with good and bad
examples of teaching. I noticed how much some of my teachers loved what they did,
and I saw an unparalleled level of satisfaction in the classroom when the students
succeeded. I have always been passionate about music, and played it constantly in
and out of school since a very young age. Coming into freshman year, I had believed
that the only options for music majors were performance or High-school band. I
knew I did not want to perform for a living, so I had settled on the latter option. I
had a realization that there was more to the degree, that there were careers beyond
high school band. I now find myself especially interested in working with younger
students, especially early elementary school. Inspiring young students, and
instilling an appreciation and passion for music has brought me immense joy, and I
hope to continue that after graduation.

Educational Experience

When I was in high-school, I served as a mentor for at-risk students in the middle
school. Through these experiences, I developed greater empathy, and a better ability
to respond to people from a different background and with different experiences
than my own. I also served as a section leader in my high school marching band, a
position I have since continued for two years in the Marching Royal Dukes. In the
Spring of 2016 I worked as a collegiate counselor and teacher for the JMU Orff-
Kodaly ensemble, made up of approximately 25 students between 9-12 years old.
This involved teaching music, as well as general classroom management. I have also
facilitated several informal community music events through my work with the
JMUke program since its inception in early 2017. I have found that flexibility is
crucial in a teaching setting, but that flexibility is hampered by a lack of planning.
By planning lessons and activities ahead of time, the teacher has the chance to
adapt and make changes as needed. I am excited to see how my continued
experience at JMU will provide me with greater opportunities for growth.
Teaching Philosophy

I aspire to create a space in which learners of all levels feel invited to engage with
music, and where students have an opportunity to explore their curiosities. In my
opinion, the classroom that is designed to support one type of student, and can or is
not changed to provide for others, is not an inviting place for people to come learn.
The execution of this environment will require in-depth planning, and a culturally
responsive approach to the students. A setup that worked for a third grader last
year may not be applicable to a student this year, and that adjustment is crucial to
student success. Equipping students with knowledge is important, but a curiosity
and desire to learn will serve them better throughout the rest of their lives. I believe
firmly that an improved academic life, with teachers and classmates who support
your success, leads to well-rounded students, which in turn creates better citizens.
By promoting curiosity and exploration, I hope to foster habits that will open
additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Education

James Madison University

Intended Degree: Bachelor of Music
Concentration: Instrumental Music Education
Projected completion date: May 2019
Cumulative GPA: 3.2

Teacher Licensure Area

 Music Education, Instrumental preK-12

Employment Experience

 Private Music Teacher, Rocktown Music Collective, June 2017-present.

 River Guide, Massanutten River Adventures, Summer 2017-present
(seasonal). Transporting and orienting 20-75 guests, working with a team of
3-5, operating Class B Commercial Vehicles.
 JMU Music Office professorial assistant, Fall 2016-present
 JMU Pep Band member, Fall 2016-present
Relevant Activities

University and Community Experience

 JMUke Project participant, Spring 2017-present
o Presenter, IMPACT @ NYU conference, August 2017
 Member, Marching Royal Dukes, Fall 2015-present
o Section Leader, MRD Tubas, Fall 2016-present
 Member, NAfMEC, Fall 2015-present
 Member, ITEA 2015-present
 Member, Massanutten Brass Band, Fall 2015-present
 Member, JMU Pep Band, 2016-present
 Member, JMU Brass Band, Spring 2016-Spring 2017

Volunteer Experience
 Volunteer, Mountain View ES After-School ukulele club
 College member, JMU Orff-Kodaly Ensemble, Spring 2016
 Mentor for POISE program at Robinson SS, 2 years

Special Skills

Technology Skills
 Working knowledge of SmartBoards™
 Working knowledge of music software
 Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
 Working knowledge of website design (Weebly)

Unique Skills
 Holds Class-B Commercial Driver’s License