Mr. Brenner

About Me

My name is Dan Brenner and I am the Director of Modern Music (Grades 9-12) for the Spring Grove Area School District. I teach Modern Band 1, Modern Band 2, Select Modern Band, Songwriting, Percussion Lessons and direct the Jazz Ensemble, Stage Band and Pep Band. I also teach one day a cycle at Spring Grove Elementary (1st, 2nd and 4th grade Essential Music). The 2024-2025 school year will be my 23rd year of teaching. I was honored to be a quarter-finalist for the Grammy Educator Award and was named an Outstanding Teacher by Shippensburg University. I have placed students in District, State and National music festivals.

I am a graduate of Lebanon Valley College where I received two bachelor degrees, a B.S. in Music Education and a B.A. in Music with a Jazz and Percussion concentration. I also hold a masters degree in Classroom Technology from Wilkes University , a masters degree in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College and a certificate in Modern Band from Lebanon Valley College. Outside of school, I perform as a solo artist as well as with Mark DeRose and the Dreadnoughts. I have recorded six albums and am able to play drums, hand percussion, mallets, guitar, piano, and bass on a proficient level. I am also a singer.  I have had the honor of sharing the stage with Grammy Award-winning artists such as:  Blues Traveler, Michelle Branch, and Laura Story. I have also shared the stage with other national artists such as: Clark Terry, Delta Rae, The Gin Blossoms, Kingsfoil, Edwin McCain, and Rusted Root. I am also a studio session musician and worship leader for my church. I also enjoy doing drum repair.

I love most sports. Hockey is my favorite (Hershey Bears, AHL) (Washington Capitals, NHL), but also enjoy basketball (Philadelphia 76ers), football (Penn State Football), and Sprint Car Racing (Logan Schuchart is on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Tour and was a former student of mine). I enjoy coffee, cooking, experiencing new food, Sour Patch Kids, anything with coconut, movies, television, and spending time with my family.