• Title: Band Director
• School: Clinton High School
• Location: Clinton, TN
• Grades: 9-12
• Instruments: Percussion

A warm welcome to our Music Teacher of the Month, Matthew Bimstein. He is the band director at Clinton High School in Clinton, TN. Bimstein has been teaching for 8 years and plays percussion.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am in my 8th year of teaching at Clinton High School in Clinton, TN. I went to Tennessee Tech University for my undergraduate degree, and then the University of Tennessee-Knoxville for my masters in percussion performance. I am married to my wife Cara of 9 years and we have 4 children, Jack, Jude, Jett, and Joel. In 2023, I was named the Teacher of the Year for Clinton High School. Since taking over the high school band program we have seen continued growth in our band program. Our program has been successful in both marching and concert adjudicated events. When I am not being a band director I love going to the park, watching a good movie, or playing golf.

What has music and/or teaching taught you?

Music has taught me many skills like time management, teamwork, work ethic, and self discipline. Teaching has taught me the joy it is to watch a student who you started in 6th grade grow, persevere, fail, succeed, and mature into a young adult as a 12th grader ready to take their next step into post secondary journey!

What types of music or instruments are your favorites to teach?

I love teaching all winds, brass, and percussion instruments, but my favorite is percussion.

What is your favorite type of music to play?

I really love playing all kinds of genres. I currently play a lot of contemporary Christian music which is a lot of fun!

What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

I like drinking coffee, watching movies with my family, going to the park, and reading a good book. I also like playing golf!

What advice would you give music teachers just starting out?

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions to other directors. The worst thing that can happen is they just don’t respond. Most of the time when you reach out they are more than happy to talk to you and help you out.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to all music students if you could?

Time management is an important skill to work on earlier rather than later.