Celebrating Local Educator and ISU Alumnus: Ross Schumaker's Journey from University to Middle School Band Teacher

Ross Schumaker, an Iowa State University (ISU) graduate, has discussed his time at the university and his current role as a middle school band teacher. At ISU, Schumaker participated in various activities and is now in his 15th year of teaching middle school band. He has spent the last seven years at Iowa Falls-Alden Middle School, after teaching for eight years at Mid-Prairie Middle School in Kalona, IA.

Schumaker has spent his entire career teaching at the middle school level. He enjoys this age group and works with Jeff Schmitt, a high school band director at Iowa Falls and also an ISU graduate. Schumaker and Schmitt, who were roommates at ISU, both chose to work in the Iowa Falls community. Their colleague at Iowa Falls-Alden, Mr. Brandon Warring, is also an ISU graduate.

Schumaker is also active in his community. He performs in the Scenic City Big Band and the Hampton Municipal Band in Iowa Falls each summer, plays in the pit orchestra for annual musical productions, and substitutes for the Karl King Band in Ft. Dodge on trumpet when needed.

Schumaker attributes his career success to his time at ISU. He believes his professors at ISU demonstrated how to build strong relationships and share passion. His experiences at ISU helped him transition smoothly into his career after graduation.

Schumaker's favorite classes at ISU were Doc Golemo's Wind Ensemble and Dr. Sturm's Music History classes. He valued their high standards and approachable manner. He also enjoyed his time in the Cyclone Marching Band, where he formed lasting friendships. He believes his involvement in music and theatre has provided him with important life lessons. His advice to students is that hard work, discipline, and dedication are more valuable than talent alone.

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