Mr. Castillo is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with a passion for fostering young musicians’ growth and appreciation for the arts. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jake has made significant contributions to the music programs at various educational institutions.Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills, contributing to the success and growth of the music programs he has been a part of. Jake is committed to creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where students can thrive and develop their musical talents.
Jake Castillo
— Teacher / Band Director
With a strong foundation in music education and years of experience in teaching and directing bands, Jake Castillo is committed to excellence and innovation in music instruction.
Alma College, Bachelor in Music Education
August 2008 – June 2015
Graduate with honors, Magna Cum Laude
June 2019 - Present
High School Marching Band Director (100 members)
High School Symphonic Band Director (50 members)
High School Concert Band Director (50 members)
8th Grade Band Director (50 members)
7th Grade Band Director (70 members)
6th Grade Band Director through like instrument class instruction (100 members)
Middle School Flute Choir Director (12 members)
Middle School Percussion Director (12 members)
All middle school classes co-taught collaboratively
Notable Achievements
- Maintained consistent and effective communication with parents, fostering a supportive and engaged community.
- Played a leading role in the music boosters organization, driving initiatives to support the music program.
- Demonstrated performance proficiency on all middle school band instruments, ensuring high-quality instruction across the board.
- Managed an annual budget of $100,000 for the 6-12 music program, including successful grant writing and funding requests.
- Recognized as an expert percussion instructor and arranger, delivering high-caliber educational experiences.
- Developed advanced wind band arrangements, focusing on creating etudes and exercises tailored to the pedagogical needs of each instrument.
- Organized and led two successful band trips to Disney and Universal Studios in Florida, providing students with enriching performance opportunities.
HS Band Side-By-Side Concert 2022: “Albanian Dance”
HS Band Side-By-Side Concert 2024: “Rocketship!”
HS Band Festival Performance 2023: “Undertow”
HS Band Spring Concert 2024: “Illumination”
Drumline: “Machine”
8th Grade Band Festival Performance 2023 “Crosswinds March”
6th Grade Percussion Ensemble: “Wizards in Winter”
Aquinas College
Drumline / Percussion Methods Instructor
August 2022 - Present
- Audition and rehearse the group from April through November
- Perform at 12+ athletic contests throughout the fall
- Recruit students to attend Aquinas College
- Teach the percussion methods course (2024 spring semester)
Grandville High School
Percussion Instructor
May 2023 - Present
- Audition and rehearse the front ensemble through the competitive marching season and winter indoor season
- Compose for the winter indoor season
Additional Experience
Godwin Heights Public Schools
- High School MCBA Marching Band Director
- High School Concert Band Director
- 8th Grade Band Director
- 7th Grade Band Director
- 5th and 6th Grade General Music Teacher
Caledonia Community Schools
- Middle School Assistant Director at Kraft Meadows and Duncan Lake Middle School 6th through 8th grade bands.
- Jazz Band Director at Kraft Meadows Middle School
- Percussion Lesson Instructor for Strike Percussion Ensemble and Mini Strike at Caledonia Community Schools
Music Education
My commitment to excellence ensures that students not only develop their musical abilities but also gain valuable life skills through their participation in music programs.
— Jake Castillo
AWARDS
Jake Castillo
EAST GRAND RAPIDS BANDS
- First division ratings with each group I’ve conducted or team taught with since 2019. 8th Grade Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band
Godwin Heights
- Flight IV/V State Champions in 2017, 2018
- Co-founded an honor band at Godfrey-Lee, a nearby Title I school, initiating a cultural exchange and community-building initiative through music.
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