Matthew Wenman

Prior to teaching at Shadle Park High School, Matt was the Band and Orchestra director at Mount Si High School from 2012-2017 and the music director at Twin Falls Middle School from 2008-2012 where he taught all 6th-8th grade bands and choirs. The Twin Falls band and choir program quickly gained a reputation for excellence under Matt’s direction, receiving top honors at local festivals and competitions. In February of 2016, Matt was elected to serve on the board of directors for the Washington Music Educator’s Association as the Jazz Curriculum Officer. His articles on teaching jazz appear in the WMEA quarterly publication, “Voice”. He is active as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor in Washington State for both middle school and high school concert bands and jazz ensembles. Matt graduated from the University of Washington in 2008 with a BM in Music Education and in 2015 with a MM in Conducting from Central Washington University. In the spring of 2017, he completed his candidacy to become a National Board Certified Teacher. Matt has been privileged to have studied with and been mentored by Vern Sielert, Chris Bruya, Larry Gookin, Mark Lane, Don Furness, Kevin Clayton, and Paul Harshman, as well as many other esteemed colleagues and teachers throughout the Northwest. In 2003, Matt enlisted in the Army Reserve as a member of the 70th Army Band and in 2009 transferred to the Washington National Guard as a member of the 133rd Army Band. He is currently serving as the director of the 133rd Army Band Jazz Patriots as the commanding officer, and directs and performs in the 133rd Army Band's “General’s Seven” Dixie Band and the Concert Band, performing on clarinet and saxophone, his current rank is Warrant officer 1. Matt’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife Shannon, and their wonderful children. Together they enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and sailing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.