Education: University of Delaware 2002: BA in Music Education Wilmington University 2010: Masters in School Counseling Certified: Music K-12, School Guidance 9-12 (5-8 in Middle School) Mr. Grant has been the Music Director at DMA since the day of its opening in 2003. Since then, he has built an award-winning band and choir program and is the composer of DMA's Alma Mater and Fight Songs.
The DMA Marching Band has achieved several outstanding accomplishments including achieving a superior ranking at Music in the Parks, 2 Esprit De Corps awards, and multiple First Place trophies in Tournament Of Bands competition. The band has also traveled to Orlando every 4 years for once-in-a-lifetime educational performance opportunities including participating in Disney’s 2010 Memorial Day Parade and Universal STARS Performance in 2022.
In the past, Mr. Grant has worked with many high school marching bands including Thomas Dale HS in Chester, VA, Elkton HS in Elkton, MD, and Glasgow HS, in Newark, DE. In these positions, he gained experience in both arranging music and writing drill for marching bands. During his time at the University of Delaware, he was a 4-year member of the Marching Band where he served as a staff member for 3 years; 99’- Music Section Leader, 00’ Drill Section Leader, 01’ Music Coordinator for Brass section.
The DMA Choir has also achieved several outstanding accomplishments during its years of operation including achieving “superior” and “excellent” rankings at music festivals across the east coast and performing at many honorary events in Delaware. Since earning his Master's degree in School Counseling, Mr. Grant has handed the choir torch on to the new chorus director and continues to support and travel with the chorus. He looks forward to the great strides and achievements the choir will take under this new and talented director.
Education: Penn State University: BA in Music Certified: West Chester University: Music Education Certification
A comprehensive musician, Mr. Schmitt is a vocalist, composer, audio engineer, and musical theatre director from Glen Mills, PA. Outside of his teaching position, Mr. Schmitt is involved with Upper Darby Summer Stage. He directs their summer Children's Theatre program and serves as the music director for their performing group, the Shooting Stars.
Mr. Schmitt has a long history of performance, having performed in 11 countries with notable performances including singing for Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and singing on stage with the Rolling Stones. He has also published concert music compositions and arrangements, and video game music remixes on the GameChops record label. When not performing, he enjoys spending time with his friends, his wife, and his son. To contact Mr. Schmitt email: [email protected]