Meet Mr. Bolen

We are pleased to welcome Dan Bolen as student teacher for the 2015 fall semester. Bolen, a Dover native, is a senior at the University of Akron where he is majoring in Music Education. After he graduates in December his goal is to become a band director. While his preference would be to work with middle school bands, he is enjoying his time with the MTSB students and would be open to a high school position as well.

Bolen started his instrumental music career on the euphonium. He switched to the sousaphone after 8th grade when he marched with the Dover Marching Tornadoes, and later with the University of Akron Marching Band.

When he had the opportunity to choose a district for his student teaching, he chose Massillon due to its proximity and the environment surrounding the program. Aware of some of the history of the MTSB, Bolen is looking forward to learning more about both the traditions and the community, and says “…the more I’m here, the more I realize that it’s something special.”

Mr. Bolen is the first student teacher in current director Jason Neel’s tenure. While he will begin working with small groups, Neel plans to place him into more teaching situations, taking on larger groups as the season progresses. Once the school year starts, Neel will give Bolen instructional time in the classroom, including turning over entire class periods.

Bolen is excited to be learning from Mr. Neel, the other directors, and the kids. While his biggest challenge may be in learning everyone’s name, he is most looking forward to helping the instrumental music students attain a high level of achievement.