Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
Rushing Middle School opened in 2020 and serves more than 1700 students in Prosper ISD of Prosper, Texas. The Rushing Band program serves over 375 students in Beginner Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band 2, Concert Band 1, and Symphonic Winds. The beginner band classes are set up for homogenous learning on the instrument with the intent to help students foster a love for their instrument and to focus on tone development and music reading. Our advanced bands focus improving their skills by attending weekly sectionals before or after school while many students also pursue private lessons offered on campus. Rushing Middle School offers a variety of organizations and clubs that students participate in like Art, Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra, Theater, NJHS, Student Council, Hope Squad, Athletics, Yearbook, and more. Many students in the band program participate and accel in multiple school activities. The Rushing Band program has experienced superior ratings in state and local competition since it’s opening. Additionally, the Rushing MS Band has been recognized as a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence by the Foundation for Music Education, and Prosper ISD has been identified as one of NAMM's Best Communities for Music Education. The students of the Symphonic Winds are excited for the opportunity to represent our community by performing at the 77th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.
Rushing Middle School Symphonic Winds
Conductor's Bio
Jarred Dodd is Head Band Director at Rushing Middle School, in Prosper Texas. His responsibilities at Rushing MS include: directing the Symphonic Winds, assisting with Concert Bands I and II as well as the Jazz Band, and teaching beginner oboe, bassoon, trumpet, and horn classes. Mr. Dodd has served as head director of Rushing Middle School since opening the school in 2020. Ensembles under his direction have consistently earned superior ratings in Texas UIL competition and local festivals and have helped to develop a number of TMEA All-State musicians. Most recently, the Rushing MS Symphonic Winds earned recognition as a state semi-finalist in TMEA Honor Band competition and as a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence by the Foundation for Music Education.
Mr. Dodd began his musical career as a trumpet student of Kelley Fletcher in Sulphur Springs, TX and was a two-time member of the Texas All-State Band. He received his B.A. in Music Education from Texas Tech University, studying with Dr. Sarah McKoin and Dr. Keith Dye. While at TTU, Mr. Dodd was a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and the athletic bands. He began his teaching career in Frenship ISD working closely with friend and mentor, June Bearden who was the first to instill his love for working with Middle School students. Mr. Dodd has been fortunate to learn from and be inspired by many mentors and master teachers throughout his career: Melodianne Mallow, June Bearden, Gary Williams, Alan Harkey, Terry Maxwell, Larry Doran, and Brian Merrill.
Mr. Dodd is a lifelong learner and recently completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in April of 2023 from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has been a presenter at Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association conventions, and is an active member of both organizations.
Mr. Dodd and wife Alison, a fellow educator, enjoy spending time with their two children, Spencer (4) and Hannah (4mo).
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