Josh Distefano, M.M. Email & Phone Number

Olympia, Washington, United States

Taught Beginning Band, Advanced Band, Beginning Strings, Advanced Strings, Choir, Songwriting, and Music Improvisation to twice-exceptional students in grades 6th-8th.Developed student-driven curriculum for maximum interest and catering to wide range of ability levels. Exposed students to a diverse group of cultures, musicians and composers.Collaborated with ELA and Social Studies teachers for interdisciplinary learning projects about injustice and protest songs, and “Fahrenheit 451” and the 1950’s.Planned, arranged and rehearsed music for concerts and community outreach.Received training on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

I teach students music virtually. And occasionally (situation permitting) in-person.

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, Washington

Musical Director for “The 5 Man Trio” jazz ensemble. Resource Manager responsible for company annual budget.

Germany

Musical Director of 15 member party band “Die Musik Brigade”. Supervisor of company’s music arranging, sound reinforcement, and transportation sections.

Wrote and published over 50 blogs for chocolateandwaffles.wordpress.com; a personal travel blog covering the joys and challenges of living in Europe, vacation destinations, and raising kids in different countries.

Wrote Blogs representing the US Army - sharing interesting stories about life as an Army Band Musician.*the website is no longer up, but I have attached one of my more popular blogs. This was posted a couple days before July 4th in 2011.

Belgium

Pianist/Composer for the SHAPE International Band in Belgium.I create orignal music and arrange existing songs for a 18 member Big Band, which are preformed all across Europe.I am the leader of the 5 member jazz combo, The Ambassadors of Groove. I compose and arrange all the music, run the rehearsals and handle all logistical aspects. Ensuring The Ambassadors of Groove are one of the most requested musical preforming groups in NATO.

Wrote magazine articles “Pari Danzi” for SHAPE Community Life, and “Gigs in Saddam’s Palace” for Berklee Today; “Gigs in Saddam’s Palace” was later reprinted in The Instrumentalist.

Musical Director/Pianist/Composer/Arranger for Army Bands in Alaska, Georgia, Texas and Kentucky. Toured around the US with the Army Band. Featured performer and clinician. This period included two 12 month tours Iraq.

Master Of Music, Jazz/Jazz Studies, 4.0 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society

Film Scoring, Composition, Performance, All Styles Of Popular Music