From Data to Delivery: Transformative Arts Leadership in Action
Clinic Synopsis:
This session will explore the wide data collection on our district's fine arts programs that has informed work that supported budget increases, the expansion of the district Fine Arts office, fine arts new teacher support and retention programs, teacher leadership development, curriculum enhancement, and district-wide conversations about serving each and every student in the arts. This work is transferrable to multiple sizes of districts, schools, and program needs.
David DuBose
- Biographical Information
David DuBose is the Director of Fine Arts for Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), where he oversees a comprehensive K-12 curriculum. Currently in his 33rd year in public education, Mr. DuBose brings over 13 years of administrative experience and 20 years as a band director in Alabama and Georgia.
His leadership focuses on providing world-class, inclusive, and culturally relevant instruction in the arts. GCPS completed a massive overhaul of 375 fine arts course standards (AKS) and launched in 2021 the School of the Arts (SOTA) at Central Gwinnett High School, an "arts-centric" facility featuring specialized Conservatory programs. GCPS has yielded significant results in their arts initiatives including a 98.10% graduation rate for fine arts pathways completers in 2023, and SOTA seniors have maintained a 100% graduation rate.
A proud graduate of Auburn University, where he served as Drum Major and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Music Education, Mr. DuBose also holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. He has been honored as the Marietta City Schools District Teacher of the Year and the State of Georgia Teacher of the Year Runner-Up. Throughout his career, he has remained a dedicated advocate for the arts, using research and data to secure increased budgets, expanded staffing, and improved facilities to support teacher retention and student success.
Matt Koperniak - Biographical Information
Matt Koperniak serves as Performing Arts Coordinator for Fulton County Schools, where he supervises the district’s comprehensive music education and music therapy programs. Under his leadership, Fulton County Schools continues to be named a “Best Community for Music Education” from the NAMM Foundation, recognizing commitment and access to music education. He also leads the Senior Music Education Seminar at Georgia State University. Dr. Koperniak previously served as Director of Bands at Riverwatch Middle School from 2008-2018. During that time, band enrollment grew from 135 students to 680 students. Under his direction, the Riverwatch Band Program received the National Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award from the National Band Association and the Sudler Silver Cup from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, with invited performances at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, Music for All National Concert Festival, and National Band Association & College Band Directors National Association Southern Division conferences. Additional teaching experience includes Georgia Southern University, Johns Creek High School, Norcross High School, and Jefferson High School. Dr. Koperniak is President-Elect for the Southern Division of the National Association for Music Education. He served as President of the Georgia Music Educators Association from 2021-2023 and on the Board of Directors of the National Band Associationfrom 2018-2020. Recent conference presentations include the NAfME Biennial Music Research Conference, Education Law Association, MayDay Group Colloquium, and numerous state music education associations.
Amber Arnold - Biographical Information
Amber Arnold currently serves as the K-12 Fine Arts Instructional Coach in Gwinnett County Public Schools. She taught Elementary Visual Arts for over 12 years and is now in her eighth year supporting K-12 Fine Arts teachers in her district. As an instructional coach, she has the honor of building community and working with teachers across all Fine Arts disciplines, including Performing and Visual Arts. She facilitates the GCPS Fine Arts Mentor Program and works closely with the district’s new Fine Arts teachers.
In addition to her instructional support role, Amber has been actively involved in the Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA) as a Student Chapter Sponsor, Elementary Representative, and conference co-chair. She has presented at both state and national levels, serves as a member of the Art21 Education Teacher Council, and recently facilitated a national Professional Learning Community for the Connected Arts Networks through the National Art Education Association (NAEA). Amber is passionate about lifelong professional learning through collaboration and community.
Wesley Brooks - Biographical Information
Wesley Brooks is in his 18th year of education and currently serves as the Coordinator of Fine Arts for Gwinnett County Public Schools, supporting all K-12 Fine Arts teachers. Prior to his district leadership role at GCPS, he was an Assistant Principal at North Gwinnett Middle School. As a music educator, he directed the Alton C. Crews Middle School Band in Lawrenceville, GA for five years and was the Assistant Director of Bands at Woodland High School in Cartersville, GA for six years. At Woodland, he was the principal conductor of the Symphonic Band and assisted with the Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and all aspects of the marching band. Additionally, Mr. Brooks spent a year as the Assistant Band Director at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, GA, where he contributed to all facets of the band program.
Mr. Brooks completed an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership at The University of North Georgia and holds a leadership certification from The University of Georgia. He earned his Master of Education degree from Auburn University and his Bachelor of Music Education from The University of Georgia in Athens, GA. During his time at UGA, Mr. Brooks studied clarinet under Dr. D. Ray McClellan and performed with the UGA Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. John Culvahouse and Dr. John Lynch. He was also a member of the Redcoat Marching Band and served on the executive board of the Kappa Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
Mr. Brooks’s professional affiliations include NAfME, GMEA, NAEA, and GAEA.
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