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 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.
 
 Heidbreder's teaching career commenced at Notre Dame High School in Burlington, IA.  Following her year in Burlington, Jessica began her career with the Johnston Community School District.  From 1994 - 2000, she served as the Director of Bands at Johnston High School.  After taking a sabbatical to complete her master’s degree in 2001, Heidbreder returned to the Johnston Community School District, where she is presently serving as the Ninth Grade Band Director at Johnston Middle School.  Bands under Jessica’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, Jessica’s 9th Grade Band was selected to perform at the Iowa Music Educators Association Conference; in 2010, her 9th Grade Band was selected to perform at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference.  

Jessica has served as an adjudicator and clinician at a variety of elementary and secondary festivals throughout Iowa; as a guest conductor at a number of conference, district, and collegiate honor bands; as a guest conductor at the University of Illinois Summer Youth Music Institute; and as an advisor for the Iowa Ambassadors of Music. Heidbreder also has served as the President of the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association.  Jessica is active as a French horn player in the Des Moines area and maintains a studio of private horn students.  Heidbreder is a published author and has had articles appear in the Instrumentalist.  Jessica resides in Johnston with her husband Will and their daughter Grace.