A
Closer Look: Deron Jimmerson
by Pamela
Johnson
Deron Jimmerson, AHS Band
director is beginning his fourth year of teaching and
his second year here in Atlantic. He formerly taught at
Carroll High School. He is a Simpson College graduate
with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree as well as a
teaching certification for secondary mathematics. As a
trombonist, Pianist and vocalist he has performed in a
variety of group's including- Karl L. King Fort Dodge
Municipal Band, the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society big
Band, and the Simpson College opera Program.
While in college, Jimmerson
participated in the Concert band, Jazz Band, Brass Quintet,
and Choir and took private studies in trombone and piano.
At present, he is a member
of the Iowa Bandmasters association, where he is serving
as the high honor band chair for Southwest Iowa. He is
also a member of the Iowa State Education Association,
Phi Mu Alpha national music fraternity.
Summer is the time when
most music directors attend various continuing education
seminars and conferences. This summer, Mr. Jimmerson attended
the Bands of America Summer Symposium. It is a weeklong
workshop designed for both directors and students from
all over the country and offers clinics on virtually all
aspects of instrumental music. Over 200 directors and
1400 students attend the seminar each year.
Jimmerson states, " It was
truly a life-changing experience for me. Just to be able
to talk to directors from so many different situations
and work with some of the finest clinicians in the country.
There were clinicians whose pieces I've performed or books
I've read."
No AHS students participated
in this particular camp this year, but Jimmerson hopes
to return with AHS students in the future.
Mr. Jimmerson states his
vision for the upcoming year this way-" My goal every
year is to provide these students with musical experiences
that they cannot find in any other organization. I hope
to build on the successful program we had last year. I
hope then to take it to the next level and if the students
work hard and I give my best I believe the Trojan Guard
will Place well at State Contest. We have the possibility
of five or six students being selected for All State with
several more who will be much closer with one more year
of experience. AHS has a strong traditional showing in
the Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band, this year approximately
eighteen students will be traveling to Phoenix for the
Fiesta Bowl Parade. The Jazz band will be missing some
key people, but last year was also a rebuilding year and
they finished up quite strong. I feel they will continue
to be one of the top three bands in the district.
Concert Band will be a little
smaller, but not hurting in quality. We have a very strong
group of seniors and an outstanding class of incoming
freshman. I believe this band will make the greatest strides
this year and its exciting to pick out music that I really
enjoy because I know I have the students who can handle
it."
