As the Band Director for Michael E. Smith Middle School in South Hadley, Brooks Holmes leads over 100 students in grades 5-8 pursuing their dreams within instrumental music. Brooks’ Concert & Jazz Bands are well known throughout the local & state community for their versatility, discipline & technique. Brooks is a strong advocate for implementing technology into classrooms and often hosts Music Education Majors from Westfield State University & UMASS Amherst. Brooks earned Bachelor & Master degrees from UMASS Amherst. He has been an adjunct faculty member of Bay Path College where he has taught history courses in Western Music & American Jazz. Brooks has enjoyed performing for weddings, church services & concerts throughout the state as both a soloist & trumpeter with the New England Brass Quartet since 1991.