John Pohland

John Pohland currently serves as the Director of Bands at New Prague High School, directing 3 concert bands, 2 jazz bands, pep band and marching band. Mr. Pohland is an active promoter of arts in the community and schools, and strives to create impactful and positive musical experiences for his students. Prior to New Prague, he spent 15 years at Waconia High School. Mr. Pohland has experience teaching high school students at all levels including in small group settings like musical pit band and show choir band. He has also taught courses in music theory, music appreciation, and individual private lessons. In 2018, John was named Waconia Public Schools “Teacher of the Year,” and was then nominated for the State of Minnesota Teacher of the Year. In 2019, John was nominated for a Grammy for Music Education and was a quarterfinalist for this honor.

John received his Master of Music in Music Education degree from Michigan State University and his undergraduate degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Trumpet Performance at the University of St. Thomas. Pohland has studied with trumpet professors Chris Volpe (St. Thomas) and Richard Illman (Michigan State University). As an advocate for music education and arts whenever possible, Mr. Pohland actively furthers his own education through professional associations such as the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association (active Board member), the National Association for Music Educators, the Minnesota Band Directors Association and the International Trumpet Guild. He has also been selected as a presenter multiple times at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic, and has published articles in the Collegiate MENC (now NAfME) online journal. John stays active as a judge and clinician around the state of Minnesota, and has been a guest conductor in various honor band and band camp settings. 

As an example to his students, Mr. Pohland remains committed to his own musicianship as an active trumpet player in Grand Symphonic Winds (St. Paul) and other various groups in the Twin Cities. He has performed at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and on various international music tours. Outside of music, Mr. Pohland is an avid golfer and runner. He resides in Elko New Market, MN with his wife, Mary Kate. 

John Pohland can be reached by filling out our contact form, or directly by emailing jpohland@isd721.org