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Graduate Teaching Assistants
Greetings alumni and friends of Illinois Bands! I’m excited to be serving as the assistant director of bands and honored to be joining the distinguished tradition and legacy of the Illinois Bands program. I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide enriching experiences for our students.
I recently completed my DMA in wind band conducting from the University of Michigan. Before my time in Michigan, I earned my MM in wind conducting from Northwestern University and taught high school band in Wauconda, Illinois. I’m excited to be back in Illinois and to reconnect with many of my former colleagues throughout the state.
Before moving to Illinois, I earned my BM in music education from Ithaca College and taught middle school band in New Jersey. I’m an active guest conductor and clinician, and my research focuses on making connections between ensemble conductors and music teacher educators, leading to presentations at the Society for Music Teacher Education Symposium and the Instrumental Music Teacher Educators Colloquium. I look forward to creating connections with Illinois Bands alumni and friends and becoming a part of the Illinois Bands community.
Hello everyone! I am thrilled to be serving the Illinois Bands as the assistant director of athletic bands. It is truly an honor to be part of the historic and prestigious Illinois Bands family.
I grew up in Georgia, where I most recently served as assistant director of bands at Kennesaw State University, working with the athletic bands, concert ensembles, and teaching music education courses. Prior to my graduate studies, I earned my BM in music education at the University of Georgia.
After teaching middle and high school band in Georgia, I earned my MM in wind band conducting and repertoire at the University of Colorado, and then completed my DMA in wind band conducting at the University of Oklahoma. During my time at OU, I began my research in artistic score study and ensemble engagement, which I continue to expand and share with the band and music education community. I am an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator.
I look forward to being part of the long-standing traditions and working with the alumni and community to continue to uphold the distinguished reputation of the Illinois Bands. GO ILLINI!
JACOB ARCHE
Sterling Heights, Michigan
mme mi teaching assistant Jacob Arche is pursuing a master’s degree in music education at the University of Illinois and serves as a graduate teaching assistant for the Illinois Athletic Bands. Jacob earned his bachelor of science degree in microbiology with a minor in music from the University of Michigan in 2018. While at Michigan, Jacob was involved in several ensembles including the University Band, Michigan Basketball Band, and Michigan Marching Band.
MICHELLE BELL
Fairfax, Virginia
dma conducting Michelle earned her master of music degree in wind band conducting from the University of Minnesota. In 2018, she was appointed visiting assistant professor of music at Emory & Henry College in Emory. Michelle graduated from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst in 2011, earning her bachelor of music education degree as well as a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.
ISAAC BRINBERG
Blacksburg, Virginia
dma conducting Isaac received his master of music degree in wind conducting at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory. At UMKC, he served as a band graduate teaching assistant and conductor for the Saxophone Ensemble. Isaac earned his bachelor of music education degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Isaac then served as assistant band director at Discovery Middle School in Granger, Indiana, where he teamtaught concert band, jazz band, and served on the Penn High School marching band staff.
NATHAN MAHER
Arlington Heights, Illinois
mm mi teaching assistant Saxophonist Nathan Maher is currently pursuing a master of music degree from the University of Illinois under the tutelage of Debra Richtmeyer while also serving as a graduate teaching assistant for the Illinois Athletic Bands. He earned his bachelor of music education degree from the University of Illinois where he also acted as a teaching assistant to the award-winning saxophone ensemble.
