RESUME
A master music educator.
Explore my professional journey, my pursuit of continuing education, and more. If you need a music educator with my expertise, let’s talk.
MY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I currently teach choir, band, AP Music Theory, Music Tech, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Music for Eagle Rock Junior and Senior High School where I am the Department Chair for the Performing Arts and Co-chair for the Arts Department as a whole.
COLLEGE LEVEL
Beginning Conducting
Brass Methods
Concert Band
Freshman Humanities Seminar: Music and Conflict
Fundamentals of Music
Music in the Elementary Classroom
Private Horn and Trumpet Instruction
Symphony Orchestra
Supervising Student Teachers
Teaching Music at the Elementary Level
Teaching Music at the Secondary Level
Woodwind Methods
COLLEGE LEVEL, ASSISTED
Advanced Conducting, Undergraduate
Advanced Conducting, Graduate
Chapel Choir
Concert Band
Marching Band
Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
AP Music Theory
Beginning Strings
Beginning Winds
Chamber Music
Choir
Class Piano
Concert Band
DP in Music
Guitar/Ukulele
History of Rock
Jazz Band
Keyboard/Guitar Class (includes songwriting)
Marching Band
Modern Band
Music Tech
Percussion
Pit Orchestra
String Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
PRE-K THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE LEVEL
Concert Band
Beginning Winds and Percussion
Beginning Strings
Choir
General Music/Orff/Kodaly
Guitar/Ukulele
Modern Band
String Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Youth Orchestra
Church Choir
Community Choir
Concert Band
Conducting Coaching
MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
BAND AND CHOIR DIRECTOR, EAGLE ROCK JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
February 2019 to the present, Los Angeles, CA
Restarted choir program from scratch to include middle school, high school and advanced choirs — program now incorporates Ukulele and Modern Band as well as a Choir Board providing student leadership opportunities.
Reshaped the band program with the implementation of MMI Achieve “STUBBIE” method of student-centered musicianship.
Currently rebuilding the Jazz Band program at ERHS after pandemic restrictions and loss of instructors.
Installed AP Music Theory class and a DP in Music through the International Baccalaureate program, both for the first time at ERHS.
Installed and instructs the first Music Tech class at ERHS that focuses on composition through online DAWs.
Spearheaded a mentorship program with Occidental Music Department to build a stronger arts community in Eagle Rock.
Raised over $30,000 for the ERHS Music Department in two years using online fundraising platforms.
CONDUCTOR, ORANGE COUNTY CONCERT BAND
September 2018 to the present, Orange, CA
Grew band from 20 to 45 members while balancing instrumentation.
Planned and executed the first international trip for the band, participating in a mass band that commemorated the 75th anniversary of D-Day with concerts at the Eiffel Tower and on Omaha Beach.
Planned and executed a 50th Anniversary concert including a world premiere of a new piece I commissioned for Wind Ensemble in celebration.
Added collaborations with local high schools involving side-by-side concerts, student soloists, and support for local music educators as needed.
Increased overall musicianship of the band with tuning strategies and more challenging material.
BAND AND ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR, ORANGE AND CANYON HIGH SCHOOLS
August 2014 to 2019, Orange, CA
Improved overall playing ability for orchestra, marching band, concert band, and jazz band.
Installed first marching Winter Drumline that now competes at the championship level.
Motivated staff and students to win for the first time in many years at the final marching competition, in the first drumline competition of the winter, and the first color guard competition of the winter.
Oversaw all parent booster activity and fundraising, including a budget of up to $100,000.
Created the first all-district honor orchestra for Orange Unified School District, a free program that brings in guest conductors to provide symphony experience for interested high school musicians.
BAND AND CHOIR DIRECTOR, EAGLE ROCK JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
February 2019 to the present, Los Angeles, CA
Restarted choir program from scratch to include middle school, high school and advanced choirs — program now incorporates Ukulele and Modern Band as well as a Choir Board providing student leadership opportunities.
Reshaped the band program with the implementation of MMI Achieve “STUBBIE” method of student-centered musicianship.
Currently rebuilding the Jazz Band program at ERHS after pandemic restrictions and loss of instructors.
Installed AP Music Theory class and a DP in Music through the International Baccalaureate program, both for the first time at ERHS.
Installed and instructs the first Music Tech class at ERHS that focuses on composition through online DAWs.
Spearheaded a mentorship program with Occidental Music Department to build a stronger arts community in Eagle Rock.
Raised over $30,000 for the ERHS Music Department in two years using online fundraising platforms.
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, BOYLE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
March 2012 to the present, Los Angeles, CA
Founder and Music Director for children ages 4 to 15 in pre-professional classical orchestral training.
Instructed students in choral studies utilizing solfege and in all instruments.
Raised $100,000+ to hire a professional teaching staff and purchase new, high-quality instruments for each student to use for a year-round program.
Secured grants for performances with Platinum and Grammy-winning artists Aloe Blacc, Quetzal Maya Jupiter, and Rusty Anderson. Featured in a music video for Grammy-winning artist White Sun.
Graduates have gone on to study at the Colburn School, USC, and the LA Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestras Los Angeles
Organized media contacts and local community leaders to feature the orchestra on KPCC radio, the LA Times, CCTV, ACN television, Telemundo, Univision, HULU and various Los Angeles and Boyle Heights events.
MUSIC DIRECTOR, HOLLENBECK MIDDLE AND ROOSEVELT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
August 2008 to June 2014, Los Angeles, CA
Taught grades 7-12 concert band, marching band, orchestra, guitar, rock band, and piano.
Served on committees appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to transition RHS to small school format while maintaining engagement with the arts for all students.
Began a percussion ensemble and re-instituted full orchestra for advanced students.
Organized funding and transportation for field trips to the Grammy Museum, Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl, and Santa Monica College.
Engaged students in an after school music enrichment program.
MUSIC DIRECTOR, MANCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
September 2004 to May 2008, North Manchester, IN
Served as the first woman to conduct this 75-year-old orchestra.
Programmed a three-concert season, hiring professionals and guest artists from around the country and the world, bringing a high-quality symphonic music experience to a town of 5000.
Spearheaded a two-day strategic planning retreat with Simon Crookall, president of the Indianapolis Symphony, ensuring the viability and long term strength of MSO’s non-profit status.
Increased the orchestra’s size by forty-five percent while playing more complex and larger repertoire
Conducted pianist Simon Mulligan in concert at the Honeywell Center for the Performing Arts and prepared the MSO to back country singer Amy Grant for the final concert of her 2007 Tour.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MUSIC, MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY
September 2004 to May 2008, North Manchester, IN
Taught conducting, private horn and all music education classes including supervising both choral and instrumental student teachers in the field.
Conducted the Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band.
Created a new conducting curriculum to provide more focused instruction.
Passed third-year review with a unanimous vote from the all-college faculty committee.
Planned and implemented performance tours for the concert band to Florida, Puerto Rico and throughout Indiana.
ASSISTANT CHOIR DIRECTOR, KENILWORTH UNION CHURCH
Performed as an alto voice in choir at all services.
Conducted rehearsals and services in place of regular conductor.
Ran sectionals and helped organize instrumental groups to accompany the choir for special services.
September 2003 to June 2004, Kenilworth, IL
MUSIC DIRECTOR, DAVID DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY & HIGH SCHOOL
Created the first wind ensemble and full orchestra at the high school.
Competed at the Oregon State Finals with each group.
Planned and executed a performance tour to Taipei, Taiwan for the marching band.
Taught beginning and intermediate strings and band at five elementary schools.
September 1995 to June 1998
CAMP DIRECTOR, INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Summers 1987 to 1999, Interlochen, MI
Managed all summer activities surrounding intensive arts training for campers aged 8 to 15.
Responsibilities included hiring, training, and evaluating staff, planning all classes and trips, and working with administration, parents, and other camp directors to ensure camper success.
Responded appropriately on behalf of the entire division to emergencies such a lost camper, camper violence or suicide ideation, inappropriate counselor behavior, and severe weather alerts.
MY PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Conductor’s Guild
College Music Society
League of American Orchestras
National Association for Music Educators
California Music Educators’ Association
Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association
MY PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
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Member, Board of Directors for Glendale Youth Symphony, 2020 to the present
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Staff Conducting Instructor, Music Mentors International Workshop, 2018
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Featured Panelist for Music and the Brain on KPCC Crawford Family Forum with Dr. Nina Kraus, 2015
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Featured Panelist on Music in Boyle Heights with Martha Gonzales and Lou Adler, Breed Street Shul, 2014
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Featured Panelist for Arts Education discussion on CCTV’s Full Frame with Dr James Catterall, 2014
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Fifth-House Ensemble, Chicago, Illinois, Guest Conductor, 2012
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LA Music and Art Institute Concerto Competition, Los Angeles, California, Adjudicator 2011
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Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton, Oregon, Finalist for Music Director 2010
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A-Sharp Players, Pendleton, Oregon, Guest Clinician 2010
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Oregon East Symphony Chorus, Pendleton, Oregon, Guest Clinician 2010
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Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Cover Conductor 2006 to 2008
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Shepard Center, North Manchester, Indiana, Guest Speaker 2006
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Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester, Indiana, Guest Speaker 2006
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Huntington University Band Festival, Huntington, Indiana, Guest Conductor 2006
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Kendallville High School Band, Guest Clinician 2006
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Huntington University Band Festival, Horn Clinician 2005
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Wabash High School Band, Wabash Indiana, Guest Clinician 2005 and 2006
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Wawasee High School Orchestra, Syracuse, Indiana, Guest Clinician 2005 and 2006
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Rotary Club, North Manchester Indiana, Guest Speaker 2005
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Fine Arts Society, North Manchester, Indiana, Guest Speaker 2005
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Huntington University Concerto Competition, Huntington, Indiana, Adjudicator 2005 and 2007
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Manchester Community Club, North Manchester, Indiana, Guest Speaker 2005
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University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra Conductor Auditions, Finalist, 2003
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Elgin Symphony Orchestra Conductor Auditions, Finalist, 2003
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South Bend Youth Symphony Conductor Auditions, Finalist, South Bend, Indiana, 2003
MY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Music Training, Online, 2021
Music Education Days, NAMM Conference, Anaheim, 2010 to 2019
Music Mentors International Workshop, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, 2018
California Music Educators’ Convention, San Jose, 2017
SCSBOA Convention, Anaheim, 2017
Youth Orchestra Los Angeles “Take a Stand” Conference for El Sistema, Los Angeles, 2015
AP Music Theory Training, Monterey, 2015
Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Chicago 1989 to 2004, and 2009
Conductors’ Guild National Conference, Baltimore 2008
American Symphony Orchestra League National Convention, Nashville 2007
American Symphony Orchestra League Conducting Workshop, Los Angeles 2006
Columbia University Music Scholarship Conference, New York 2005
Indiana Music Educators Association Convention, Indianapolis 2005 to 2008
American Choral Directors Association National Convention, New York 2003
Oregon Bach Festival, Conducting Master Class Participant, Eugene 2001 and 2003
Northwestern University Wind Conducting Symposium, Evanston 2001
University of Texas Wind Conducting Symposium, Austin 1997
Oregon Music Educators Association Convention, Eugene 1996 to 1998
Michigan Music Educators Association Convention, Ann Arbor 1995
EDUCATION
Dedicated & Experienced
Northwestern University
DOCTOR OF MUSIC IN CONDUCTING
2007
University of Oregon
MASTER OF MUSIC IN CONDUCTING
2001
Northwestern University
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH AND BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN EDUCATION
1991
Interlochen Arts Academy
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
1986
TESTIMONIALS
Colleagues, Students and Parents
JUANA RODRIGUEZ--MOTHER
The children in the orchestra were not only exposed to instruments, they learned how to read and write music, vocals, and public performance. Through the orchestra, Dr. Gindin gave my children instruments that go beyond music. Instruments that will last for lifetime: contributing to develop a sense of security and assurance in everything they do now in High School and college. Thank you Dr. Gindin for your dedication to transmit the passion for music to my children!
KAILANI TOKIYEDA--FORMER STUDENT
As one of Dr. Gindin’s past students, it was a pleasure getting to be taught by her through our school’s instrumental and choral programs. She gave me so much insight into the world of music education and inspired me to pursue my own feats in the music industry too! She’s an amazing teacher for anyone fortunate to be guided by her.
CHRIS SUAREZ--FORMER STUDENT
I have the utmost appreciation for your hard work towards your choir, our band, and your new orchestra! I am so glad to have received. your assistance towards not just mine, but my section's playing and technique. I will always remember your passion and your appreciation towards the violinists. Thank you so much for burning STUBBIE into my mind. I will most definitely keep that in mind when continuing my playing.
KAREN SMITH--CLARINET, ORANGE COUNTY CONCERT BAND
My husband and I met in the Orange County Concert Band in 1989, and it has become my weekly escape from the pressures of the "outside" world.
It takes a special, dedicated person to take on the challenge of conducting a Community Band, but Suzanne somehow gracefully pulls it off.
Every Tuesday she brings her contagious smile and her musical expertise to rehearsal to do her part to offer this outlet to other grateful musicians like myself.
After every performance, I am convinced our mutual love of creating music helps make our community a better place.
BENJAMIN GOWN--COLLEAGUE, MUSIC TEACHER
I worked with Suzanne when she was the director of the Boyle Heights Community Youth Orchestra where she inspired the entire staff with her passion for and dedication to music education. It goes without saying that Suzanne has the nuts and bolts knowledge of music necessary to direct high-level orchestras. Beyond her love of music, she has a love for lifting up communities and individuals, and she has the energy, experience and wits to lift music programs off the ground and catapult them into success. I have seen her remind individual students of the importance of polishing their own unique contributions, I have seen her work with groups and draw emotion and excellence out of the collective sound, and I have personally experienced her mentorship and concern for her colleagues, peers and all those who are lucky enough to work with her.
ERIC SMITH--SAXOPHONE, ORANGE COUNTY CONCERT BAND
I joined the Orange Community Concert Band in 1989 where I met my future wife. We have enjoyed playing music together in this organization for over 32 years. During that time, we’ve had four directors who brought their own methodology and approach of conducting to the band. Over the years, all of them have done a great job of taking a group of enthusiastic amateur musicians and making them sound their best. Of these conductors, the one that stands out for me based on her background, experience, and love of conducting is Suzanne Gindin. I have never had a conductor throughout my college and adult music experience who had the ability to clearly communicate how he/she interprets a piece of music through their conducting. Suzanne’s body language and her command of the baton truly guides me, and most other musicians to see and understand the musical ride we are taking on a piece of music. Her passion for music is infectious and keeps me looking forward to our next rehearsal!!
ADÁN ALEJÁNDRO FERNÁNDEZ, D.M.--FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, GLENDALE YOUTH SYMPHONY
Dr. Suzanne Gindin is on my board for the Glendale Youth Symphony and I couldn’t think of a better person. She is an extremely talented musician, conductor, and educator with a heart for students. Her dedication to her students and community inspired me to start the youth symphony in Glendale. She is energetic and innovative. Responsible and organized. I can’t recommend Dr Gindin enough as a music educator, performer, conductor, and organizer.
ERIC WALTON--TRUMPET, ORANGE COUNTY CONCERT BAND
Suzanne conducts giving us all of the essentials that you’d hope for from a great conductor (clear tempos changes, meters, dynamics, attacks and releases, transitions, and so much more, using an interesting and never-ending variety of rehearsal methods and techniques).
Equally importantly, she conducts not only the notes, phrasing and dynamics written in the score but she conducts the “music”, pulling out of the group the stories and emotions of the pieces, ranging from deep sorrow to utter elation (and everything in between).
Suzanne treats everybody with kindness. Everybody!
Suzanne exudes joy and happiness when she conducts. In doing so, she shares and brings it to us.
I still remember the first time, as a boy, that I felt excitement and exhilaration when I contributed to one of those musical “moments” that sometimes come when playing with like-minded musicians that bring together an idea. I come to Suzanne’s rehearsals hoping to score more of those “moments”… I usually get my fix, leaving Suzanne’s rehearsal with more “moments” than I came with. I could ask for nothing more.
NEED A GUEST CONDUCTOR, GUEST SPEAKER OR ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP?
Have a particular challenge you’re trying to deal with? Contact me today and see what I can do for you.
A quick conversation with Dr. Gindin is a great way to get started.
213-595-9092