JMS Band Directors

Dee White-Bradt

Director JMS 8th Grade Bands

Dee White-Bradt graduated from University of Kansas with a degree in Music Education and French Horn Performance. Ms. Bradt also holds an Elementary Education degree from Upper Iowa University.

Her husband, Chris, is a computer consultant with IBM and they have one son, Ian, who is a graduate of Johnston and an alumni of the band program. He is now an engineer with Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies. Her last “kid” at home is her 89 pound Lab – Marissa.

Ms. Bradt's hobbies include kayaking, backpacking, hiking, any outdoor activity! (Oh yeah... KU basketball and football!)

Jessica Heidbreder

Director JMS 9th Grade Band

Jessica Heidbreder, a graduate of Sioux City North High School, received her Bachelor's Degree in Music with Highest Distinction from Northwestern University and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois.

Ms. Heidbreder's teaching career commenced at Notre Dame High School in Burlington, IA. Following her year in Burlington, Ms. Heidbreder began her career with the Johnston Community School District. From 1994 - 2000, she served as the Director of Bands at Johnston High School where she was responsible for the concert, jazz, marching, and pep bands. After taking a sabbatical to complete her MME in 2001, Ms. Heidbreder is presently serving as the Ninth Grade Band Director at Johnston Middle School. Bands under Ms. Heidbreder’s direction have garnered consistent Division I ratings at state and regional festivals as well as "Best in Class" honors at the Adventureland Festival of Bands, the Worlds of Fun Festival of Bands, and the Chicago Music Festival. In 2007, Ms. Heidbreder’s Freshman Band was selected to perform at the Iowa Music Educators Association Conferen