​​​​Brad Ciechomski​

Brad has recently retired from teaching Instrumental music in Yarmouth, Maine. 

 

While at Yarmouth, Brad taught/worked with:

Beginner band in Grade 4

4 Middle school concert bands

3 Middle school jazz bands

His bands consistently receive superior ratings at festivals

 

While in Yarmouth, Brad was presented the Maine American Star of Teaching.  Michael Sentence from the U.S. Department of Education presented the award at a surprise school-wide assembly.

 

Through the American Stars of Teaching program, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes exemplary teachers.  Each year, one teacher from each state and the District of Columbia is selected as an award winner.  Criteria for American Stars includes the following: works to improve student achievement, brings enthusiasm and innovative instructional approaches to the classroom, and excites students about learning and achieving. 

 

Brad’s teaching began his teaching career in 1992 when he accepted the post of Middle School Band Director/Assistant High School Band Director in Salem, NH. After working in Salem, Brad moved onto Newmarket and then Derry, NH.  After a successful tenure in New Hampshire, Brad moved his family to Portland, Maine and accepted the position at Yarmouth high school. He taught for six years at Yarmouth high school before moving to the position of Director of Bands at the Harrison Middle School in 1996.  

 

In the 2003-04 school year, Brad took sabbatical leave to successfully pursue his Masters of Music in Music Education at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H. where his studies centered around music education, concert band and jazz band composition. 

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In 2005-06, Brad was named Yarmouth “Teacher of the Year” by his colleagues.

 

Brad continued to bring a fresh insight to his teaching and directing.  Not afraid to try new methods or initiatives, you often found Brad energetically working with students, on a school bus to one of the many festivals his bands participates in, or being duct taped to a wall after students have practiced enough to “stick to practicing.” 

 

His zest for life long learning has never stopped as he is constantly looking for the best new literature (if not composing it himself), reading resource materials or attending conferences such as the Mid-West Band Clinic. 

 

Brad continues his work with students, but now through judging, guest conducting and composing for concert bands and jazz bands.

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