Director of the Brea Olinda High School Instrumental Music program, Joseph A. Bartell conducts and teaches the Wind Ensemble, 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 ten years of teaching experience and over 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 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.

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) and the California Alliance for Jazz (CAJ) . 

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 selfless dedication to the Association.  He has served as a Site Rep on the Representative Council for two years, Vice President in 2009/10, Co-President in 2010/11, and was recently elected President for the 2011/12 school year.  He is also serving as Vice President of the North Orange County United Teachers. 

On top of all his professional duties and obligations Mr. Bartell also finds time to be an active member 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.

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