Welcome to my Career Page
Below is the history of my varied musical career.
I received my Bachelors of Arts in Education degree in Music Education from the University of North Florida in 1996.
I am certified to teach Music K-12 in Florida and Pennsylvania.
Currently, I teach Elementary Instrumental Music at the
Tulpehocken Area School District in Berks County PA., which has two elementary schools:
the Bethel Elementary school, and
the Penn-Bernville Elementary school.
Follow this link to see my résumé.
I started playing drums around age 5. I started a band with some high school friends
at age 16. We played mostly polka music, along with variety music for weddings,
church picnics, etc.
I moved to Florida in 1985, and played with a few Top40/Rock bands.
It was with one of these bands I decided to play professionally and live life on the road.
We played Top40/Dance music and played mostly Holiday Inns throughout the southeastern U.S.
After a short time on the road, I decided to attend college and become a music teacher.
While attending college, I helped support myself by playing in various wedding bands
and teaching private music lessons.
It was in college that I got my first exposure to playing jazz music.
I received both jazz drumming and classical percussion scholarships while in college,
and had the opportunity to play with many famous jazz artists.
After graduating college, I decided to stay home for 2 years to raise my infant sons.
I then took a job with the Duval County School District teaching General Music, Chorus, Band,
and Orff Ensemble at an elementary school. At the same time,
I began working towards my Pennsylvania teacher certification in hopes of moving back to my home state.
After one year of teaching in Florida, I took a job with the Tulpehocken Area School District in Berks County, PA,
where I currently teach.
I also teach privately in the Reading/Lebanon, Pennsylvania area.
I continue to play as well, freelancing when I have the time.
Last updated: 14-November-2000
Webmaster: Joseph Bernat webmster@joebernat.com
© copyright 2002 Joseph W. Bernat
