John Zimmerman

Dr. Zimmerman, a native of Minnesota, arrived as a director of instrumental music at Apple Valley in 1993. He returned to Minnesota after teaching for four years in Seattle and five years in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition to serving as Director of Bands, his responsibilities at Apple Valley High School include directing the Symphonic Band, Marching Band, teaching woodwind lessons and directing the Jazz Ensemble Program. Each year, Dr. Zimmerman is responsible for producing and directing the school’s performing arts showcase production featuring the dance, vocal and instrumental music departments.

Dr. Zimmerman earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory of Music and a Ph.D. in Music from the University of Minnesota. As a performing musician, he has toured extensively with Mel Torme, the Artie Shaw Orchestra and Columbia Artists Productions. In demand as an artist and educator internationally, he has resided in Sweden, Jan and Brazil. Dr. Zimmerman currently performs on a regular basis with the Minnesota Orchestra and for shows with local and visiting celebrities.

Professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Minnesota Music Educators Association and the International Association for Jazz Education. Dr. Zimmerman is presently serving as President of the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association for Jazz Education.

Contact Information:
Phone: 952-431-8250
Email: john.zimmerman@district196.org

Corey Desens

Corey Desens is a graduate of St. Olaf College, receiving a Bachelor of Music/Music Education degree, and of St. Thomas University where he received a Master of Arts degree specializing in instrumental music education. Prior to teaching at Apple Valley High School, Mr. Desens taught instrumental music at Watertown-Mayer High School (MN) for eleven years. At Apple Valley High School, Mr. Desens’ instruction duties include Wind Ensemble, 9th Grade Band, Percussion Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and assisting with the Marching Band. Additional teaching responsibilities include teaching all percussion lessons, 9th grade flute and clarinet lessons, and some upper level woodwind lessons. Mr. Desens has performed with the Minnesota Symphonic Winds, Medalist Concert Band, and theatre productions at Hey City Theatre. He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and the Minnesota Music Educators Association. Currently, Mr. Desens is serving on the Executive Board of the Minnesota Band Directors Association as the secretary.

Contact Information
Phone: 952-431-8266
Email: corey.desens@district196.org

Jeff Rinear

Upon graduating from the Berklee College of Music with a degree in Performance on Trombone, Jeff Rinear freelanced in a wide variety of musical settings, including numerous extended engagements for four years. After a touring stint with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, he settled in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to complete a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Rinear taught at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis for one year and at Hudson High School in Hudson, Wisconsin for five years before accepting a position at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, MN. In addition, he has been the Jazz Ensemble director at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul since 2001. Mr. Rinear is sought after as a guest artist and has appeared at nearly one hundred clinics, festivals and camps.

Mr. Rinear has also continued to perform professionally throughout his career, backing up the likes of Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Natalie Cole and Dave Stryker, just to name a few. He is also an endorsing artist for Edwards trombones.

Contact Information
Phone: 952-431-8233
Email: jeffrey.rinear@district196.org