MATTHEW SHEARER

Matthew has been the Director of Bands at Middletown High School since August 2002. He directs the "Marching Knights", Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and in January, 2006, introduced the Wind Ensemble. The Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble have all received Superior and Exellent ratings a local, state, and regional festivals. In 2005, Matthew led the "Marching Knights" to their first USSBA Group 2A Championship and in 2006 earned the prestigious Marine "Esprit de Corps" award as well as an 8th place finish at the USSBA National Championship.

Matthew grew up in York, PA in the West York Area School District where he was actively involved with band, choir, theatre, and sports. Outside of school, he also was involved with the music programs at two local churches. Matthew received his Bachlor of Music in Music Education degree from James Madison University in 2002 where he studied with Professor of Trumpet, James Kluesner. While attending JMU, he participated in the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Brass Band, and Trumpet Ensemble. Matthew was also a member of JMU's "Marching Royal Dukes" and in 2000 was a featured soloist. In August, 2006, Matthew received his Master of Science in Music Education degree from the University of Dayton. His research was titled, "Comparison of student's self-evaluations of individual music performance to band directors' evaluations."

In his free time, Matthew has performed in Frederick's "Spires" Brass Band; he arranges music and drill for the MHS "Marching Knights," is an amature freelance graphic designer and currently is training to compete in his first triathlon at Disney World this September.