It Takes a Village: The Importance of a Mentor/Consultant
Clinic Synopsis:
The utilization of a mentor/consultant can make a world of difference in a band program. The panel will discuss the benefits of having a mentor/consultant, especially for less experienced teachers, and will also provide ideas to help ensure empowerment and longevity in the teaching profession. Topics will include lesson planning/daily instruction, classroom management, student engagement, communication and more.
Jason Finnels
- Biographical Information
Jason Finnels is in his 12th year of teaching and his 4th year as the Director of Bands at Ronald Thornton Middle School in Fort Bend ISD. Prior to opening Thornton Middle School in 2018, Mr. Finnels was the Director of Bands at Watauga Middle School in Birdville ISD from 2014-2018. Mr. Finnels has also taught in Mesquite ISD and Crosby ISD. While under his direction, bands have received consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards, including the Thornton Middle School Band in its inaugural year. The Watauga Middle School Band was a two-time finalist at the annual North Texas Festival of Distinction (formerly Beach Within Reach) in addition to being recognized as a two-time Commended Winner in the prestigious National Wind Band Mark of Excellence Competition. Mr. Finnels is a 2009 Cum Laude Graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and a 2018 Summa Cum Laude Graduate of Southern Methodist University. Across the state of Texas, Mr. Finnels is an active adjudicator, clinician and consultant. His professional organizations include The Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.
Ethan Gula - Biographical Information
Ethan Gula is currently in his third year of teaching and third year as the Assistant Director of Bands at Ronald Thornton Middle School. Mr. Gula conducts the Symphonic Band, assists with the Honors Band and teaches Beginner Oboe/Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone and Low Brass Classes.
Mr. Gula Graduated from the University of Houston in May 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Music Education. While at the University of Houston, Mr. Gula was a member of the Symphonic Winds and Chamber Orchestra groups. He studied clarinet and bass clarinet under Chester Rowell.
Mr. Gula is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmaster's Association.
Cindy Bulloch - Biographical Information
Cindy Bulloch retired from Ector County ISD in 2007 after 29 years of teaching,
including 19 years at Nimitz Junior High School in Odessa, TX. A student of Dr. Gary
Garner, Mrs. Bulloch earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in music education
from West Texas State University in Canyon. Under her direction, the Nimitz Junior
High School Band achieved at the highest level of excellence. Their many honors
include 19 consecutive sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest,
“Outstanding Band” festival awards, John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Cup, Texas
Bandmasters Association Exemplary Band Program Award, and twice named the Texas
Music Educators Association BBB Junior High School Honor Band.
Mrs. Bulloch has been honored with the TMEA Leadership and Achievement Award,
the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, the Sudler Order of Merit from
the John Philip Sousa Society, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Ector County
ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, and the Texas Bandmasters Association Lifetime
Achievement Award. In 2004, Mrs. Bulloch was honored to be elected for membership
in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. She is a member of TMEA, TBA,
Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and member and past president of Alpha
Chapter, Phi Beta Mu honorary bandmasters fraternity. She has presented clinics for
TMEA, TBA, and MidWest Band and Orchestra Convention as well regional
symposiums in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
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