Jennifer Bjoin

1325 31st Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311, jennifer.bjoin@drake.edu, (712) 579-5677

Education
Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Graduation: May 2016
Bachelor of Music Education
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Endorsements: K-12 Music/Gifted and Talented Education
Certification: Kodaly Level 1

Expected

Study Abroad Experiences

Finland, Latvia, and Estonia- May 2016
Will travel with Drake Choir to perform in and explore many cities and cultures
China- May/June 2015
Studied opera at Minzu University in Beijing, culminating in a performance of
opera scenes
England- January 2014
Performed in many cities and explored customs and cultures with the Drake
Chamber Choir

Student Teaching Experience

Monroe Elementary, Des Moines Public Schools, Des Moines, IA (low SES, urban
school)
Elementary Music Student Teacher, January-March 2016
Planned and presented full-length lessons for all sections of music
grades K-5
Interpreted and applied topics from professional development
meetings into the music classroom
Assessed student skills in accordance to school and professional music
standards
Inspired students to create melodies and rhythms, improvise, and use
critical thinking skills
Valley High School, West Des Moines, IA (mid-high SES, suburban school)
High School Music Student Teacher, March-May 2016
Conducted and rehearsed four choral ensembles under the direction of
conductor Haley Gibbons
Taught small group and individual voice lessons
Coached the jazz choir at festivals and contests
Assisted in assessment of student skills and musicality, including
helping to run auditions for next years ensembles

Practicum Experience
K-12 Music Practicum (100 hours total)- Jan. 2013- Dec. 2015
Practicum hours completed at 19 schools throughout Iowa
K-12 Gifted and Talented Practicum (15 hours total)- Oct. 2015- Dec. 2015
Practicum hours completed at 6 schools, mainly in central Iowa

Related Experience
1st-3rd Grade Music Teacher at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, September
2015-present
Plan and lead a music lesson each week to a class of 1 st-3rd graders
Prepare for performances for church and community members
Differentiate activities for each students skill and age level, as well as
carrying out assessment to determine future activities and lessons

2
Intern for the Heartland Youth Choir Organization, August-December 2015
Lead segments of rehearsals with the Cantemus choir each week, consisting
of 6-8 graders
Individually taught two 3-part pieces from start to finish over the course of the
semester
Conducted these pieces on stage at their Fall and Winter concerts
Intern at the Iowa Choral Directors Association Symposium, Summer 2015
Worked for the management to ensure everything ran smoothly, while
attending the information sessions
Drake University Music Theory and Ear Training Tutor, Fall 2014-present
Lead help sessions every week for students who needed extra practice or help
on material
Differentiated for individuals based on their needs and learning styles
Communicated with students on a grand and individual scale to schedule
meeting times
Drake University Music Office Student Assistant Fall 2013-present
Created a departmental program each week for the voice and instrumental
departments
Recruited prospective Drake students through mail, phone, and email and
persuading them about what Drake has to offer
Supervised the running of the Drake Music Audition Days, while informing
students of location and information about Drake and clarifying questions
Soprano Section Leader at First Baptist Church, Johnston, IA, Fall 2013-present
Use sight reading and intonation skills to lead the soprano section in singing
during rehearsals and services each week

Leadership Experience

Chosen as soprano section leader in Drake Chamber Choir, August 2014December 2015
Chosen as soprano section leader in Drake Choir, August 2014-December
2015
Elected president of Drakes American Choral Directors Association student
chapter, December 2014-December 2015
Elected secretary of Drakes National Association for Music Educators chapter,
April 2013-15
Elected student liaison for Drakes Music Education faculty search, Fall 2015

Organization Membership

American Choral Directors Association (Sept. 2012-present)

National Association for Music Educators (Sept. 2012-present)
(Student) National Association for Teachers of Singing (April 2015-present)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Iowa (March 2013-present)
Admission Cole-ition (Recruitment at Drake) (August 2015-present)

Scholarships or Honors

Drake University 2015 Presser Scholar for Academic and Musical Achievement

Presidential Scholarship for Academic Merit (through Drake)

Presidents List (7/7 semesters at college)
Recipient of James Cox Memorial Music Education Scholarship, Drake
University, April 2015
Recipient of Hazel Betts Looney Scholarship, Drake University, April 2015
Recipient of Edith Keeley Stokley Music Scholarship, Drake University, April
2014-present
Recipient of Allen Lehl Music Scholarship, Drake University, April 2013

Chosen as the soprano soloist in Drakes production of Hodie by Ralph

Vaughan Williams, November 2014
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), 1st Place Winner, Division I
College Freshmen Women, Iowa District Student Auditions, November 2012
Selected as soprano soloist for Stanfords Magnificat in G for the Evensong
services at Gloucester and St. Pauls cathedral during the Chamber Choir 2014
England tour

Volunteer Work

Member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based program, March 2013present
Volunteered time to contacting prospective Drake music students and talking
to them about opportunities Drake offers and answering their questions, April
2013, 2014, 2015
Volunteered at Drake audition days talking to students waiting to audition
about Drake February 2013, 2014, 2015

Special or Technical Skills

Proficient in piano playing skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Social Media
Skilled in typing