Catherine L.

Knopf
katie.knopf325@gmail.com
msknopfsportfolio.weebly.com
OBJECTIVE
To give my students a comprehensive curriculum focused on musical literacy and music appreciation, while
gaining self-confidence and the collaborative skills necessary to be an effective team member.

EDUCATION
North Central College, Naperville, Illinois June 2015
B. A., Choral Music Education Minor: Theatre Concentration: Leadership
Cumulative GPA: 3.2/4.0 IL Certified K-12 Music: License Number: 2304750

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Addison SD 4- Indian Trail Jr High Choir, PreK Music, Elementary Ast. Music Teacher 2016-2017
+ Chorus Instruction & Curriculum
Implemented solfege sight reading exercises from the S-Cubed curriculum in the Chorus classes.
Division I rating at IGSMA district contest, Superior Rating at IGSMA State Festival.
Established a themed Bell Ringer schedule in the classroom.
Started weekly theory homework to raise music literacy test scores by 18%.
Revived the Lunch Lesson program to incorporate small group instructional time.
Facilitated large group dress rehearsals to practice repertoire and logistics prior to each performance.
Co-created an after school choir club for instrumental students who wanted to perform in a choir.
Coordinated rehearsals with the High School director for the annual festival performance.
Took 18 6th grade students to solo/ensemble contest.
+ General Music Curriculum & Instruction
Traveled between 3 school buildings each day.
Implemented the Feierabend Early Learners curriculum for the preschool building.
Taught 1st and 4th grade general music to a bilingual population using the Quaver curriculum.
Directed songs for the 4th grade recorder concert and school wide holiday program.

Northbrook SD 27- Shabonee 3-5 Elementary School, General Music & Chorus Teacher 2015-2016
+ Chorus Instruction & Curriculum
Directed two grade level Chorus ensembles, using a variety of rounds, unison and 2 part repertoire.
Incorporated student reflection with daily Rehearsal Reports.
Coordinated with the Jr. High teacher for the annual winter choral district festival performance.
Prepared 10 fifth grade students to attend the ILMEA District 7 Elementary Chorus festival.
Taught the grade level shows by applying a modified flipped classroom technique for learning the
music to maximize instructional time.
Created a new theme for the 5th grade Black Light show and implemented a Practice War amongst
the classes to increase student engagement.
+ General Music Curriculum & Instruction
Lead 19 sections of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade general music classes on a bi-weekly basis.
Taught a variety of Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze-based lessons using percussion instruments,
xylophones, recorders, singing, movement and music theory with General Music classes.
Implemented creative project based learning in the general music curriculum, such as composition
projects, learning centers, and cultural/interdisciplinary units.
Introduced a PBIS based classroom management incentive program.

Spirito! Singers Music Theory Teacher and Tutor June 2012-June 2016
Taught the beginning level weekly 30 minute classes of 6-14 students.
Created extension activities on the concepts of note and rhythm identification, time signatures and
whole/half steps from the Alfreds Essentials of Music Theory curriculum.
Designed curriculum for intermediate level summer tutoring sessions including the concepts of
compound time signatures, syncopation, intervals, scale building, and the circle of fifths.

Schaumburg SD 54, Mead Junior High School- Student Teaching Aug-Dec 2014
Incorporated cross-cultural understanding by designing presentations on the context of Choral music.
Engaged in co-curricular instruction by creating vocabulary and writing lessons for the Chorus classes
to enhance music literacy skills that tied to the Common Core English Learning Standards.
Taught General Music trimester curriculum which consisted of Basic Theory Lessons, Guitar &
Keyboard Unit, and a brief composer history unit.

PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE
Peterson Elementary School- IPSD 204 (40 Hours) March-June 2014
Taught a variety of Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze-based lessons using percussion instruments,
xylophones, singing, movement and music theory with General Music classes.
Naperville North High School- SD 203 (40 Hours) Jan-March 2014
Instructed, rehearsed and conducted a piece for the winter concert with the beginning level womens
choir and observed the womens show choir.
Edison Middle School- SD 200 (40 Hours) Sept-Nov 2013
Co-taught the 7th grade, 8th grade and show choir by leading small group rehearsals, introducing
concert repertoire, leading warm ups and sight reading exercises.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE
York Community High School- Assistant Director: Spring Musical Jan-April 2016, 2017
Provided input on the audition process for 100 high school students and 75 elementary students.
Coached individual students with learning their vocal score and scene work.
Networked with local theatres to obtain props for the production.
Attended daily rehearsals and contributed to the artistic vision of the show.
Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts- Broadway Concert Coordinator Jan-May 2017
Organized performers from a variety of local performing arts groups.
Coordinated the auditorium rental and setup.
Communicated with the co-chair on front of house needs and the dessert reception.
York Community High School- Summer Theatre Assistant Teacher June-July 2014
Guided students through a lesson about online resources for learning about the history of musical
theatre including playbill.com and americantheatrewing.org.
Coached students individually on monologues to develop their acting Guideposts based on the
methods of Michael Shurtleff and contemporary musical theatre repertoire.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
- Google Drive - Canvas School Webpages
- Infinite Campus Gradebook - ActivInspire & SmartNotebook Software Training
- Finale & Noteflight Music Software - Music Zoom: Accessibility Application

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
National Association for Music Educators Sept 2011-Present