Since 2013, I have been the head band director at Roberts Middle School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. In this position, I have many responsibilities:

• Leading a three-person team consisting of myself and two travelling teachers

• Designing and implementing inclusive and differentiated curricula for three grade-level bands, including a 6th-grade beginning band

• Recruitment and retention efforts

• Preparing students for annual concert performances, including large-group adjudicated events and OMEA Solo and Ensemble

• Directing an extracurricular jazz band/combo

• Teaching general music courses for students in grades 6-8, covering topics including composition, music appreciation, music theory, the history of Western Classical Music, and the history of American Popular Music.

Since 2015 I have served as the director of the CFHS Gold Tones Jazz Orchestra. The Gold Tones is the premier jazz performing ensemble at Cuyahoga Falls High School and members are selected by audition every year. The Gold Tones has a history of excellence stretching back to the early 1960's of which I am proud to be a part.

Each year the Gold Tones hold our annual "Musical Horizons" concert event. During my tenure, this concert has included participation from other instrumental and vocal ensembles from our district and neighboring districts, local professional musicians, and national recording artists including Wayne Bergeron and CFHS alumnus Rusty Higgins.

In addition to my work in the public schools, I also offer private saxophone and clarinet lessons for students in the Akron metro area.

My students routinely earn Superior ratings at OMEA Solo and Ensemble. Students of mine have gone on to be accepted into music programs at Kent State University, the University of Akron, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts.

Interested in lessons? Contact me at jimalang@gmail.com to learn more!