I am excited to start my second year as the Director of Bands at Dutchtown Middle School. I received my Bachelors from Valdosta State University in 2016 and my Master in Music Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 2022. While living in Illinois I had the privilege of performing in various community music ensembles, including those at DePaul University and Horner Park, as well as in improv and musical improv shows at the IO Theater in Chicago. I spent the last year of my masters exploring film and experimental music while playing the electric trombone. Over the summer, I competed as part of the Magic Film Companies team in the 48 Hour Film Project Atlanta, as the Sound Utility and 2nd AC. Out of over 50 films, ‘Beautiful’ won six awards, including best sound and best picture. The team will compete globally in March at Film-a-Palooza. I am a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). While at UIUC worked with the Hip-Hop Collective as a recording and mastering engineer on their first two albums.

Part of my goal as an educator and music advocate is to spark curiosity, and fuel creativity in the minds of students. I plan to create a safe, fun and friendly environment so students can do just that. I remember struggling as a middle school student in my father’s band class. Having Tourette’s Syndrome and ADHD made middle school ever harder. I was lucky to have music as an outlet. It is my hope that your student will look at learning as something fun and enjoyable, not a burden. I look forward to helping your scholars in any way I can.

Honesty and transparency are key, which is why I tell my students during their first class that I have Tourettes Syndrome and if I make funny sounds/movements they know what that is. I look forward to getting to know everyone and working with them throughout the year!

Sincerely,

Ranon Herman 

Director of Bands (Dutchtown Middle School)