Melissa Brobston

City, State: Iowa City, Iowa
Number of years - member of NAfME: 19
Number of years - member of IMEA: 19
Other arts organizations you're a member of: Iowa Bandmaster's Association, International Trumpet Guild
If you've served on the IMEA Board of Directors, which positions have you serve in? Southeast Area Chair
Colleges or institutions you've studied at and which degrees or certificates you’ve received? Bachelors in Music Education, Wartburg College; Masters in Trumpet Performance, University of Iowa
Total career number of years teaching: 19
What schools have you taught at and what did you teach? Nashua-Plainfield High School - Band, Grades 9-12; Cedar Valley Catholic Schools - Band, Grades 5-8; Cedar Rapids Community School District: Roosevelt Middle School - Band Lessons, Grades 6-8; Harding Middle School - Band, Grade 6
What made you go into teaching? After school in my elementary years, I went home and "played school." I didn't know I had a passion for music until I was blessed with these band directors: Donna Kramer, Holli Safley and Frank Hoskins. They were the epitome of what an exemplary teacher resembles.
What has been one of your most enjoyable moments about teaching? My most enjoyable moments about teaching have been from this past year; my band (as a collective) was eager to learn about how music works and the more I taught them, the more they wanted to know. The more they learned, the better they got. They worked together as a team. Their beginning band sound was remarkable.
What has been one of your funniest moments in teaching?
Something in your teaching career you’re proud of:
Why are you a member of IMEA? Belonging to a professional music education organization helps me stay up to date on the latest research and advances in our field.
If we looked at your iTunes or Spotify, what music would we find in your "Recently Played" list? Pandora Stations - Johannes Brahms, Banda Los Recoditos, Empire Brass Quintet
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do? Cooking, Running, Horseback riding, Latin dancing, Hiking, Paddle boarding, Trumpet playing, Melissa's Music Studio managing & Mary Kay consulting
What do you like to do with your summers? Performing in the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, Attending Summer of the Arts Activities in Iowa City
Iowa Music Educators Association