Introduction

William C. Talaba

      Greetings, and thank you for your interest in my professional teaching, performing entertainment management, and organizational experience.  As an entrepreneur of learning and education, I have four values that help to focus my mission as a person and educator:  Accountability, Responsibility, Passion, and Pride.  These core values help me focus my musical philosophy on musical literacy, instrumental proficiency, and enjoyment of music. This will create an excellent educational opportunity that enhances the overall learning process.

I have been playing music for almost 30 years and teaching music in many ways over the past 20 years. The educational process works best in an environment where students are motivated, teachers enjoy working together, and parents, teachers, administrators, and the community support one another.

Before working for Walt Disney World, I was the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Winter Music Programs at Oakleaf High School in Orange Park, Florida.  My duties at Oakleaf High School included directing the percussion studies program, teaching an introductory music history course and basic piano, and managing the marching band percussion section.  I also directed the 46-member symphonic band.  With full teaching responsibilities, I also managed the winter guard and indoor drumline programs, both extra-curricular activities.  I also coordinated and hosted the Oakleaf High School's first-ever Florida Federation of Color Guard Circuit's Premier Colorguard event on January 20, 2018.

From 2013-2017, I was the Director of Music Programs at Western Reserve Academy (WRA), a private high school in Hudson, Ohio. At WRA, I directed the band and string orchestra programs. I was also appointed to oversee the entire music program and focus my efforts on improving the overall music student experience at the school.

As a result of my efforts, I was able to implement and manage a newly designed budget that allowed for easy tracking of spending and improved the efficiency of musical events across the campus.  I also donated a rolling filing system to the school to organize its extensive music library.  I also utilized technology in the classroom by implementing SmartMusic in every practice room and rehearsal room in our three-story music building.  Our facility had state-of-the-art sound systems, recording capabilities, and audio production technology.   I also hired a private music teaching faculty for private lessons and chamber instruction on every wind and string instrument and managed their monthly pay.   Finally, over three years, I doubled the band program from 15 students with incomplete instrumentation to 30 with well-balanced instrumentation.

In 2016, I formed an “athletic” music ensemble that performed as a pep band at basketball games and competed as an Indoor Marching Wind Ensemble.  The marching wind ensemble placed first in their class at the Ohio Indoor Performance Association State Championships 2017.  I also found that students enjoy playing in chamber ensembles.  This type of learning allows students to work together in small groups for a common goal.  I also managed the hiring and payroll for WRA’s music lesson program.  These teachers also helped to coach our chamber groups, which received multiple superior ratings at the Ohio Music Education Association Solo and Ensemble Events each year.  My experience at WRA helped me to learn new ways to implement a music program without needing adjudicated events and costly logistics.  Students loved to learn music as a passion for a lifetime of learning.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about my teaching experiences.  If you want more information about my teaching experience from 2002 to the present, please visit my Teaching Resume or contact me directly.