Director of the Brea Olinda High School Instrumental Music program, Joseph A. Bartell conducts and teaches the concert ensembles (wind ensemble, and orchestra), coordinates the instructional program and staff for the Wildcat Entertainment Corps Marching Band, directs the Swingin' Wildcat Jazz Ensemble, and provides oversight and management to the Winter Color Guard and Winter Drumline programs.  Mr. Bartell's background includes eight years of teaching experience, as well as two decades of performance experience on saxophone, flute, and clarinet.  He has performed with such musicians as Bobby

Rodriguez, Mike Vax, Grammy award winning guitarist Anthony Wilson, and big band leader Gerald Wilson.  Mr. Bartell has also made several appearances with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra, and was a featured soloist in the 2002 President's Honor Recital at the University of Redlands.  He has had the honor of performing under the baton of several world renowned conductors and composers such as Ralph Hultgren, Jan Van der Roost, and Frank Ticheli.  He has played under master arranger and former President's Own Marine Corps Band conductor, Colonel John Bourgeois and former US Air Force Band Conductor, Colonel Lowell Graham.  He has also participated in master classes taught by professional flautist and former principal flute player for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Jim Walker, saxophonist, Eugene Rousseau, baritonist, Brian Bowman, clarinetist, Robert Spring, and the world famous brass quintet, the Boston Brass.  Mr. Bartell was also selected from over 200 Master's degree candidates to prepare a piece for performance not only composed by, but to be conducted by world renowned composer David Holsinger.

Mr. Bartell's education includes a Bachelor's of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Redlands, and a Master's of Music degree in Conducting from Southern Oregon University.  Along with his performance and educational accomplishments, Mr. Bartell is a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Fraternity, Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), California Band Directors Association (CBDA), and the Music Educators National Conference (MENC).  He has served as a Site Rep on the Representative Council for the Brea Olinda Teachers Association for the last two years, and was recently elected to serve as Vice President for the 2009-2010 school year. 

In 2009 Mr. Bartell was recognized by the Brea Olinda Teachers Association by being selected to receive the WHO award which is given to members for their dedication to the Association.  Mr. Bartell will also continue his role as the BOHS Performing Arts Department Chair for the 2009-2010 school year.  On top of all his professional duties and obligations Mr. Bartell also finds time to be an active member and Officer of Gateway Masonic Lodge No. 339 F&AM in our own community of Brea as well as being a member of the Orange County York Rite Chapter, Council, and Knights Templar Commandery.

Mr. Bartell is the President on the Board of Directors for the Music Life Foundation, a non-profit organization started by Tony T. Nguyen designed for the enrichment of musical activities in the youth of our communities.  The foundation gives students the ability to participate in such activities as indoor percussion, color guard, drum corps, and many more.

A long-time believer in the ability of music to spark important growth in young people, Mr. Bartell sets high standards for our students at Brea Olinda.  Mr. Bartell feels that through motivation, inspiration, dedication, and perspiration, a student builds on their ability to focus on goals, engage in the process of achievement, and feel the reward of success in achieving those goals.  He also believes music-making is a great expressive outlet for all young people.

Any questions on the Instrumental Music Program should be directed to Mr. Bartell

Brea Olinda High School

Instrumental Music Department

Brea, California