A musical journey
David and Jennifer Snead are not native Iowans, but they have found their home in the state as band directors at Wartburg College and Tripoli Community School District respectively. The couple, who met at the University of Georgia, have been teaching music for over a decade in different states and countries, before settling in Iowa in 2020.
David, who is the director of bands and associate professor of music at Wartburg, said he was drawn to the college because of its reputation for excellence in music education and performance. “I was looking for a place where I could work with talented and motivated students, and also collaborate with supportive and inspiring colleagues,” he said. “Wartburg has all of that and more.”
Jennifer, who teaches band for grades 5-12 at Tripoli, said she was impressed by the community’s support for the arts and the students’ enthusiasm for learning. “The kids here are amazing. They are eager to try new things, they work hard, and they have fun,” she said. “The parents and the administration are also very supportive and encouraging. It’s a great place to teach.”
A musical background
Both David and Jennifer have been involved in music since they were young. David started playing trumpet in fifth grade, and later switched to euphonium in high school. He also sang in choir and played piano. Jennifer started playing flute in sixth grade, and also played saxophone and clarinet in jazz band. She also sang in choir and played guitar.
They both pursued music as their major in college, with David earning his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Georgia, his master’s degree in euphonium performance from Indiana University, and his doctorate in wind conducting from Michigan State University. Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Georgia, and her master’s degree in flute performance from Indiana University.
They both have extensive experience as performers and educators, having played in various ensembles and taught in different settings. David has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and the U.S. Army Band.
He has also taught at Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Michigan State University, and the American School of Dubai. Jennifer has performed with the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and the Dubai Chamber Orchestra. She has also taught at Indiana University, Michigan State University, the American School of Dubai, and the International School of Indiana.
A musical vision
David and Jennifer said they have a similar vision for their bands, which is to provide a high-quality musical experience for their students that fosters their personal growth and artistic expression. They also aim to create a positive and supportive environment where students can develop their skills, confidence, and passion for music.
“We want our students to enjoy making music, to challenge themselves, and to be proud of their accomplishments,” David said. “We also want them to learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.”
Jennifer said she also wants her students to appreciate the diversity and beauty of music from different cultures and genres. “We expose our students to a variety of musical styles, from classical to jazz to pop to world music,” she said. “We want them to broaden their horizons and discover new sounds and possibilities.”
A musical future
David and Jennifer said they are looking forward to continuing their musical journey in Iowa, and to contributing to the rich musical tradition of their schools and communities. They said they are grateful for the opportunity to share their love of music with their students and audiences.
“We feel very fortunate to be here,” David said. “We love our jobs, we love our students, we love our colleagues, we love our schools, we love our communities.”
Jennifer agreed: “We feel like we have found our home here. We are very happy.”
