Tobin C. Shucha

• Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
• M.Mus., University of Wisconsin-Madison
• B.M.E., University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

I serve as the director of bands and music education at Ripon College. I direct the Symphonic Wind Ensemble – our main concert band – and the Rally Band, our athletic band. I also teach all of our music education courses, and oversee the music education major. Other courses that I teach include music history and theory courses, and music technology. Like most professors at Ripon, I also contribute to our Catalyst curriculum. My research interests focus on the social structures within school bands, including social induction, belonging, and hazing.
I have a Bachelor of Music Education from UW – Eau Claire, and a Masters in Music and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from UW – Madison. Before Ripon, I taught for five years at UW-Richland, and for thirteen years in Wisconsin’s public K-12 schools.

What is something you’ve experienced that makes Ripon College special?
The tight-knit community that is the music department…our students are ridiculously supportive of one another.

Briefly describe a favorite assignment or in-class activity.
I enjoy mock-teaching exercises in music education classes…students can be so creative. I often pick up new ideas for learning activities from what students create for their lesson plans.

Three words that best describe your teaching style:
Engaging, Eclectic, Caring