Drumline Instructional Staff

Mr. Todd Martin

Drum Line Program Coordinator

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Coach Todd is the leader of SoulPhamm's Drumline, the newest addition to our performing arts program.  He has been an active musician for over ten years, participating in a variety of music ensembles. Coach Todd’s loving relationship with drumline started at his Illinois high school, where he developed bass drum, snare drum, and marching experience while playing in their competitive marching band. He continued to pursue his musical interests by joining the front ensemble of Cavaliers Indoor Percussion, a world class competitive drum ensemble. While earning a degree in music at New York University, Coach Todd played drum set in an independent Brooklyn based band, The Misters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Coach Todd refocused his musical passions and now develops and teaches the SoulPhamm Drumline. Coach Todd spends his free time watching horror movies, making paninis, and playing Uno

Ms. Hope De Jesus

Instructor

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Coach Hope began learning music as a pianist when she was nine years old, but later transitioned to specializing in mallet percussion under the teaching of the PMWHS Music Department.  She loves music and is excited to share her joy with younger musicians, particularly female ones, who are often underrepresented in the field.  Aside from being an instructor, Coach Hope is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from NJIT.

Ms. Emma Apicelli

Instructor

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BIO TO FOLLOW

Ms. Jessica Smith

Instructor

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Coach Jess started her drum career in middle school - first playing by ear then by learning how to read music. In high school, she was a part of the marching band where she was able to compete in band competitions.  She attended Montclair State University where she received her bachelor's degree in English. Throughout her time at Montclair State, she was an active mentor through programs including the YMCA, and "THREADS" based in Newark, NJ. Post-graduation, she moved to Newark where she served for one year as an English tutor in the Americorps Fellowship at Great Oaks Downtown Middle School. The following year, Coach Jess was hired as an 8th grade English teacher at Great Oaks, where she remains to this day. At the school, she serves as Grade Level Lead, and piloted the "Young Queens" after school program at the campus. Coach Jess is also the CEO of "Agape Unconditional". Agape is Greek for Unconditional Love and that is what the brand seeks to provide to the Black community through service, uplifting programs and fashion.