Rene Bernard
brass
Rene Bernard is a brass instrument specialist who focuses on the individual student and their unique physical and natural playing characteristics. He earned his BA in Music Education from the University of North Texas, with a concentration in both classical and jazz trumpet playing. While at North Texas, Rene began an 11 year in depth exploration of brass pedagogy, working with world renowned brass instrument specialist Dr. Donald S. Reinhart.
While pursuing his Master of Music from the University of Missouri/Kansas City Conservatory, Rene taught elementary, middle school, and high school band, and was the brass specialist at Funk’s Music Center. After a dozen years in Kansas City, Rene and his family moved to Iowa, where he taught grades 6-12 concert, jazz and marching band. Many of his students achieved Iowa district, state and collegiate honors. Rene’s students have gone on to national careers in where he taught at Leland and Gray Middle/High School until his recent retirement. He is looking forward to focusing on his love of teaching at the Brattleboro Music Center!
Rene emphasizes correct fundamentals in matching the embouchure, breathing and tonguing for each individual student. Once good habits are established, reading music and counting rhythms are part of the next steps to having fun playing an instrument. Each student moves at their own pace with home practice and setting goals to improve. He enjoys getting to know his students individually and builds confidence through guided listening and emphasizing group participation in school ensembles and solo literature. Every student should also practice music that they like and find something fun daily! Music computer software is also utilized in lessons and encouraged for use at home.
Rene is a member of the National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) and the Vermont Music Education Association (VMEA). He also continues playing trumpet professionally in the Bad News Big Band, Amherst Jazz Orchestra, Oakland Stroke Band and Creacion Latin Band – all based out of central Massachusetts.
