There is a banner that hangs in the Fairmont Performing Arts Center that reads “Kettering Schools…a reputation for leadership in the Arts!” The banner has been there so long that it often gets overlooked. However, this week it got my attention, not just because it needed to be straightened again, but because it truly speaks to the character and reputation of the Kettering Music program and the wonderfully talented pool of teachers that teach music to our students each and every day!
All of our music teachers are extraordinary in different ways and three of them have recently shined as leaders in our greater music education community.
Adam Depew, elementary music specialist at Southdale elementary school, presented a session at the OMEA professional development conference in Columbus. The session was packed with elementary teachers eager to learn from one of the leading Orff-centered music educators in Ohio. Adam will be taking that momentum on the road next fall when he is a featured clinician at the American Orff Schulwerk Association Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
Brody McDonald, Kettering Director of Choirs, published “A Capella Pop: A Complete Guide to Contemporary A Capella Singing” in 2012 and has been a sought after clinician ever since. The Kettering National A Capella Festival and Camp A Capella are both incredibly successful annual ventures that bring the best of the A Capella world to the Dayton area each year. Recently Mr. McDonald served as the guest conductor for the OMEA District 1 Junior High Honor Choir. He will also be a presenting clinician at this summer’s Alfred Choral Connect Conference.
Bryce Newton was recently named as the new Coordinator of Music for the Kettering City Schools. Bryce has numerous band compositions published through the CL Barnhouse and RWS labels. Bryce’s compositions for band have been performed across the globe, including works at the Midwest International Band & Orchestra convention in Chicago, as well as the Thailand International Band & Orchestra Festival. He was named a composer of a “top 100” new work for wind band in 2020 by Bandworld Magazine. Currently, his works are on state festival lists in both Texas and Indiana in the concert band and jazz ensemble categories. Closer to home, Bryce’s work “Red Embers” was premiered by the Sinclair College Wind Symphony in 2022 and he recently served as a guest conductor for the OMEA District 14 middle school honor band.
“Kettering Schools…a reputation for leadership in the Arts!” Indeed!
Michael Berning, Coordinator of Music
