Biography
John Salehi, Director of Bands at the Gallatin R-V School District (Contracted for the '25-'26 school year), is an avid educator, musician, and Sinfonian. John has performed in the Nodaway County and Mound City Community Bands, Rockport Community Theatre Pit Orchestra, Cameron High School Pit Band, MMEA All-Collegiate Orchestra and has subbed for both Northwinds and the Cameron Municipal Band.
In addition to teaching full time, John has been able to work with many different schools in the northwest area of Missouri. As a marching band teaching assistant, he has been able to work with bands from Cameron, Northeast Nodaway, South Harrison, Savannah, and Maryville. Here, John planned and led leadership camps for student leaders, coached drum majors, helped set drill, ran sectionals, and full band rehearsals. John has also served as a judge for the Rockport Pre-Contest Recital and the brass judge for Northwest’s Junior High/Middle School Solo/Small Ensemble Contest. In his last semesters on campus, John had the privilege to be a guest conductor for the Nodaway County Community Band and Northwest’s Concert Band.
When he is not at school, John enjoys spending time with friends, providing private lessons to students, collecting Legos, and walking his dog, Coco. John is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Missouri Bandmasters Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Teachers that have inspired him the most include Dr. Robert Pippin, Dr. Will Sutton, Mrs. Jennifer Prather, Mrs. Beth Delapp, Dr. Rebecca Dunnell, Dr. Jay Jones, Dr. Matthew Bonsignore, Ms. Amanda Sutton, Mr. Joel Gordon, Mr. Jon Bailey, and Mrs. Jessica Holtzscher.
In addition to teaching full time, John has been able to work with many different schools in the northwest area of Missouri. As a marching band teaching assistant, he has been able to work with bands from Cameron, Northeast Nodaway, South Harrison, Savannah, and Maryville. Here, John planned and led leadership camps for student leaders, coached drum majors, helped set drill, ran sectionals, and full band rehearsals. John has also served as a judge for the Rockport Pre-Contest Recital and the brass judge for Northwest’s Junior High/Middle School Solo/Small Ensemble Contest. In his last semesters on campus, John had the privilege to be a guest conductor for the Nodaway County Community Band and Northwest’s Concert Band.
When he is not at school, John enjoys spending time with friends, providing private lessons to students, collecting Legos, and walking his dog, Coco. John is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Missouri Bandmasters Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Teachers that have inspired him the most include Dr. Robert Pippin, Dr. Will Sutton, Mrs. Jennifer Prather, Mrs. Beth Delapp, Dr. Rebecca Dunnell, Dr. Jay Jones, Dr. Matthew Bonsignore, Ms. Amanda Sutton, Mr. Joel Gordon, Mr. Jon Bailey, and Mrs. Jessica Holtzscher.
Summary
Professional Experience
Director of Bands, Gallatin R-V School District2023-Present
2023
2020-Present
- Supports the needs of 130 learners and guardians with diverse needs.
- Integrates new teaching methods based on data driven research and professional development.
- Organizes and rehearses five different performing ensembles.
- Receives high ratings at district and state festivals.
- Communicates updates monthly to stakeholders.
- Manages multiple fundraisers throughout the year.
- Coordinates recruitment of 30+ new members a year.
2023
- Followed and delivered teacher provided lesson plans.
- Communicated with staff and administrators regarding student needs, progress, and incidents.
- Ensured classroom procedures and district policy were upheld.
2020-Present
- Mentored ten students a week in performance consistency, tone production, musicality, and technique.
- Achieved 60% district and state honors with private students.
- Collaborated with staff to design and implement rehearsal plans aligned to program goals.
- Developed leadership training sessions student section leaders, drum majors, and captains.
- Adjudicated local and district level auditions and performances.
Relevant Achievements
Directed The Gallatin Bulldog Pride Marching Band which has consistently been awarded top five placements in parade and field show.
Participated in local community ensembles and pit orchestras.
Created and coordinated a Solo/Small Ensemble Festival hosting many schools.
Achieved a 45% increase in membership in the high school band, almost doubling their original numbers.
Membership of the National Association for Music Education, Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Participated in local community ensembles and pit orchestras.
Created and coordinated a Solo/Small Ensemble Festival hosting many schools.
Achieved a 45% increase in membership in the high school band, almost doubling their original numbers.
Membership of the National Association for Music Education, Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Performance Experience
Cameron Municipal Band (Sub): 2025
Cameron High School Pit Band: 2024-Present
Jamogi and the Jammers: 2024
Northwinds Symphonic Band (Sub): 2023
Missouri Music Educators Association All-Collegiate Orchestra: 2022
Nodaway County Community Band: Summer 2021, 2022
Rockport Community Theatre Pit Band: Summer 2021, 2022
NWMSU Ensembles: 2019-2023 (Various Lengths)
International Tuba and Euphonium Festival, Night Hawk and Massed Ensemble: Summer 2019
Cameron High School Pit Band: 2024-Present
Jamogi and the Jammers: 2024
Northwinds Symphonic Band (Sub): 2023
Missouri Music Educators Association All-Collegiate Orchestra: 2022
Nodaway County Community Band: Summer 2021, 2022
Rockport Community Theatre Pit Band: Summer 2021, 2022
NWMSU Ensembles: 2019-2023 (Various Lengths)
- Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Bearcat Marching/Pep Band, Orchestra, Studio Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Bell Tower Brass Commencement Band, Percussion Ensemble, Yuletide Feast Brass Quintet, and Recorder Consort
International Tuba and Euphonium Festival, Night Hawk and Massed Ensemble: Summer 2019