Kevin Jay Isaacs, A.Mus.D. – Curriculum Vitae
Professional Work Experience
Fall 1990 – present
Professor of Music
Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, Connecticut
Theory/Composition & Choral Studies Fall 1990 – present
Coordinator, Graduate Studies in Music Spring 1991 – present
Chair, Music Department
Spring 2011 Sabbatic leave replacement
Associate Chair, Music Department
Fall 1995 – Spring 1997, Fall 2007 – present
Associate Professor
Fall 1993 – Spring 1998
Assistant Professor
Fall 1990 – Spring 1993
Fall 2010 – present
Manuscript Reviewer/Textbook Critic
Rowman & Littlefield: Scarecrow Press, New York, NY
Manuscript and textbook publishing feasibility, review, and criticism for international
publishing house
Summer 1998
Delegate/Choral Conductor
People to People Ambassador Program delegation to the
People’s Republic of China
June 1995 – May 1996
Mellon Foundation Visiting Faculty Fellow
School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music–Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Graduate Choral Conducting and Literature
Fall 1991– Spring 1995
Music Director/Conductor
The Christ Chorale, Danbury, Connecticut
Spring 1989 – Summer 1990
Associate Choirmaster
University Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas
Spring 1987, Fall 1987, Spring 1988
Visiting Professor of Music
The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Theory and Composition
Fall 1982 – Spring 1984
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
Music History and Literature
Fall 1978 – Fall 1982
Director of Music
Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas
Education
A.Mus.D.
The University of Arizona,
1986 Composition/Choral Conducting
M.M.
Texas Christian University,
1984
Music Theory and Composition
B.M.
Texas Christian University,
1982
Music Theory
Isaacs CV, cont.
Performance Rights Affiliation
Classical Composer Member of BMI, Broadcast Music Incorporated, since 2005
Professional Recordings
Skookum Suite, Kevin Jay Isaacs, composer, recorded by Dan Goble, saxophone; Russell
Hirshfield, piano, Albany Records TROY 1251 MAD DANCES, Judith Sherman, producer, 2011
Assorted Choral Works, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor, Soundwaves Recordings PO 30911.09
Connecticut CMEA Western Region High School Honors Festival, 2011
“O Frondens Virga,” Kevin Jay Isaacs, composer, recorded by the Luther College Aurora
Singers, Luther College Recordings DCC 60-10-99 Using Our Voice, 2010
Unnecesary Roughness, Kevin Jay Isaacs, composer, recorded by the WCSU Percussion
Ensemble, David Smith, conductor, Soundwaves Recordings PO 30907.04 50th MENC Eastern
Division Biennial In-Service Conference, 2007
4 Wheel Dr., Kevin Jay Isaacs, composer, recorded by Dan Goble, saxophone; Jeff Hellmer,
piano, CRI Records #876, FREEWAY, Judith Sherman, producer, May 2001
Nationally and Internationally Published Compositions
O Frondens Virga for piano, violin, and SSA chorus, Santa Barbara Music, 2009
A Lenten Trilogy for SSAATTBB chorus, Mark Foster Music, 1992
“Surely, He Hath Borne Our Griefs,” from A Lenten Trilogy for SSAATTBB chorus,
Mark Foster Music, 1992
“Christ is Arisen,” from A Lenten Trilogy for SSAATTBB chorus, Mark Foster Music, 1992
Festival Alleluia for SATB chorus, brass, and organ, Mark Foster Music, 1991
Agnus Dei for SATB chorus, Mark Foster Music, 1991
My Face in Thine Eye for SATB chorus, Mark Foster Music, 1989
“Tenebrae Factae Sunt,” from A Lenten Trilogy for SATB chorus, Mark Foster Music, 1987
Regionally Published Compositions
Full Fathom Five for violin, piano, and marimba, PerCel Music, 1993
52–Pick–Up for marimba and piano, PerCel Music, 1992
Selected Composition Commissions
Still-Folk, opus 107 for oboe, bassoon, and piano; Mark Snyder, Gina Cuffari, and Tom Cuffari,
International Double Reed Society 2012 Conference, Miami University, Summer 2012
On the nature of:, for SATB chorus, alto saxophone, marimba, and piano, Arete Vocal Ensemble,
Thousand Oaks, CA, Wyant Morton, conductor, November 2011
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Skookum Suite, for Soprano Saxophone and Piano, Russell Hirshfield and Dan Goble, 2008
O Frondens Virga, for SSAA chorus, violin, and piano; Pike Kor of Luther College, Sp 2008
“I am the Grass,” for soprano, alto saxophone, and piano; WCSU Music, May 2007
Unnecessary Roughness, for percussion ensemble; WCSU Music/David Smith, March 2007
Wondrous Love, for SATB chorus; WCSU Presidential Inauguration, April 2005
O Magnum Mysterium, for SATB chorus; WCSU Chamber Singers, Fall 2003
life rounded with sleep, for SATB chorus; Ojai Camerata, Wyant Morton, conductor, Sp 2002
Western Connecticut State University Colonials “Fight Song” for Marching Band, Fernando
Jiménez, conductor, Fall 2000
4 Wheel Dr. saxophone and piano; Dan Goble and Jeff Hellmer, Fall 1997
Three English Duets of Love, Chris Cock and Maura Janton, Valparaiso University, Fall 1996
“Sanctus,” opus 88, University of Arizona Chamber Choir, Summer 1995
Official “Alma Mater,” Western Connecticut State University; Student Government
Association, Fall 1993
Full Fathom Five, P.V.P., professional chamber ensemble, Manhattanville College, Purchase,
NY, Fall 1993
52 – Pick – Up, David Smith; Principal Percussionist, New Haven Symphony, 1992
Alleluia Fanfare, 1990 Texas All–State Festival Honor Choir Concert, San Antonio
Ave Maria, Texas Boy's Choir/T and P Renaissance Singers professional chorus, 1990
Gloria, 1988 National Meeting of the College Music Society, Adam's State College
“Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs,” 1986 Missouri Music Educators Association
All–State Mixed Chorus
Selected Composition Performances
Still-Folk, opus 107 for oboe, bassoon, and piano; Mark Snyder, Gina Cuffari, and Tom Cuffari,
International Double Reed Society 2012 Conference, Miami University, Summer 2012
On the Nature Of: Five-movement cantata for SATB chorus, soloists, alto saxophone, marimba,
and piano; Arete Vocal Ensemble, Thousand Oaks, CA, Wyant Morton, conductor, Fall 2011
O Frondens Virga & Three English Duets of Love; Arete Vocal Ensemble, Thousand Oaks, CA,
Wyant Morton, conductor, Spring 2010
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Skookum Suite, for Soprano Saxophone and Piano, Russell Hirshfield and Dan Goble, 2008
O Frondens Virga, for SSAA chorus, violin, and piano; Ohio State University, Fall Tour, 2008
Collected Works for Percussion; W.C.S.U. Percussion Ensemble, Fall 2008
O Frondens Virga, for SSAA chorus, violin, and piano; California Lutheran University, Spring
Tour, 2008
O Frondens Virga, for SSAA chorus, violin, and piano; Pike Kor of Luther College, North
Central ACDA Biennial Conference, Spring 2008
“I am the Grass,” Margaret Astrup, Dan Goble, Russell Hirshfield; Zhengzhou, China,
May 2007
Unnecessary Roughness, 50th MENC Eastern Division Biennial In–Service Conference;
Hartford, CT March 2007
Wondrous Love, for SATB chorus, WCSU Presidential Inauguration, April 2005
O Magnum Mysterium, WCSU Chamber Singers, Fall 2003
life rounded with sleep, Ojai Camerata, Ojai, California, Wyant Morton, conductor,
November 2003
4 Wheel Dr., Dan Goble and Jeff Helmer, North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial
Conference, March 2002
Trinity Sight, Western Connecticut State University Wind Ensemble, Fernando Jiménez,
conductor, spring 2000
4 Wheel Dr., Dan Goble and Jeff Helmer, Connecticut Music Educators Association
Honors Concert, spring 2000
4 Wheel Dr., Dan Goble and Jeff Helmer, North American Saxophone Alliance, Region 2
Convention January 1999
“Tenebrae factae sunt,” from A Lenten Trilogy, Connecticut All–State Chorus, March 1999
“Sanctus,” from Second Missa Brevis, Gregg Smith Singers, Summer in the Adirondacks, 1997
Three English Duets of Love, Chris Cock and Maura Janton, Valparaiso University, 1996
“Sanctus,” from Second Missa Brevis, University of Arizona Chamber Choir tour, 1996
“Tenebrae Factae Sunt,” from A Lenten Trilogy, Camerata Singers, professional choral
ensemble, Spring Lake, Michigan, March 1995
Come, Thou, Long Expected Jesus, Central Washington University Chamber Choir,
Ellensburg, Washington, fall 1994
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Poetic Airs for Soprano, Margaret Astrup, Connecticut State University Faculty Recital Series,
September/October 1994
“Tenebrae factae sunt,” from A Lenten Trilogy, Connecticut Music Educators Association
Northern Regional Honor Choir, January 1994
Full Fathom Five, PVP Ensemble, Connecticut State University Faculty Recital Series,
December 1993
Lenten Trilogy, Bel Canto Choral Artists, professional choral ensemble, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
November 1993
Ave Maria, Concordia College (Minnesota) Choir tour, spring 1993
“Agnus Dei,” from Second Missa Brevis, required composition for the 1992 National Collegiate
Choral Competition, Washington, D.C.
“Agnus Dei,” from Second Missa Brevis, University of Arizona Symphonic Choir national tour,
spring 1992
“Agnus Dei,” from Second Missa Brevis, Texas Christian University Concert Chorale, 1992
American Choral Directors Association Regional Convention, Kansas City, Missouri
52 Pick-Up, op. 91, Wall Street Chamber Players, “Thursdays at Quinnipiac” music series,
Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CT, February 1992
“Gloria,” from Second Missa Brevis, winter tour of The Desert Chorale, professional choral
ensemble, Santa Fe, New Mexico, December 1991
Ave Maria, Texas Boy's Choir and the T and P Renaissance Singers, professional choral
ensemble, 1990
“Gloria,” from Second Missa Brevis, University of Arizona Symphonic Choir tour, 1989
“Gloria,” from Second Missa Brevis, Adams State College Choir, National Meeting,
College Music Society, 1988
“Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs,” 1986 Missouri Music Educators Association,
All–State Mixed Chorus
Selected Composition Reviews
“O Frondens Virga,” Moran, Rita. "Arete Vocal Ensemble wows CLU crowd with an
unconventional mix of liturgical classics, Earth odes and Dolly Parton." Ventura County Star 2-42010. Web.
Skookum Suite, AllMusic: http://www.allmusic.com/album/mad-dances-american-music-forsaxophone-and-piano-w265436
Skoolum Suite, American Record Guide; Sep/Oct2011, Vol. 74 Issue 5, p204-204, Patrick
Hanudel, reviewer
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Isaacs CV, cont.
“4 Wheel Dr.,” Kevin Jay Isaacs, composer, SAXOPHONE JOURNAL, May/June 2002, Frank
Bongiorno, reviewer
“Tomorrow,” Dick Thompson, Composer, THE CHORAL JOURNAL,
April 1998, Kevin Jay Isaacs, reviewer
“Mary's Lullaby,” George Chadwick, Composer, THE CHORAL JOURNAL,
Sept 1996, p.74–75, Kevin Jay Isaacs, reviewer
“Surely, He Hath Borne Our Griefs,” from A Lenten Trilogy, Kevin Jay Isaacs, Composer,
THE CHORAL JOURNAL, May 1994, p.86, Scott Dorsey, reviewer
Honors and Awards
“Award of Merit in Composition“ given to Skookum Suite for soprano saxophone and piano,
presented by the Global Music Awards, March 2012
Connecticut American Choral Directors Association Choral Director of the Year, 2010
Recipient of the inaugural WCSU Excellence in Teaching Award, 2007 – 2008
Western Connecticut State University Student Government Association
Award for Contribution to Student Life: 2003, 2000, 1998, 1994, and 1993
Nominee submission, The Pulitzer Prize in Music Composition, Columbia University, 2001
University of Arizona School of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award, 1995
Nominee, Danbury Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, 1995
Lifetime Member, Pi Kappa Lambda – Honor Society for Music
Selected Performances (conductor, clinician, and/or preparer)
Connecticut Western All–Region Choral Festival, January, 2011 at New Canaan High School,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Connecticut Southern All–Region Choral Festival, January, 2010 at Maloney High School,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Connecticut Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association Honor Choir at Conard High
School, October, 2007, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
New York State School Music Association Zone 10 Area All–State Mixed Chorus,
Carmel, New York, November 2006, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Connecticut Southern All–Region Choral Festival, January, 2005 at Maloney High School,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Ulster County, New York All–Region Music Festival, March 2004,
Kevin Isaacs, conductor and clinician
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Hampton's Music Educators Association, Regional Honor Chorus,
South Hampton, New York, February 2003, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Connecticut Western All–Region Choral Festival, January 2003 at Danbury High School,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Kent School Orchestra and Chorus Regional Honor Concert
Kent, CT May 2001, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
New York State School Music Association Zone 10 Area All–State Mixed Chorus,
Poughkeepsie, New York, November 2000, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir and The Ridgefield Symphony, Oct 2000,
Schoenberg: A Survivor from Warsaw, Sidney Rothstein, conductor, Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Texas Music Educators Association, Region V–All–District Honor Choir, November 1999
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Connecticut A.C.D.A Chamber Choir Festival, Middletown, CT, May 1999
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and head clinician
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir and The New Haven Symphony at Yale
University, April 1999, Poulenc: Gloria, Alisdair Neal, conductor, Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Connecticut All–State Mixed Chorus, CMEA, March 1999, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir and The Ridgefield Symphony, May 1998,
Beethoven: Symphony #9, The Choral, Sidney Rothstein, conductor, Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir and The New Haven Symphony at Yale
University, April 1998, Beethoven: Symphony #9, The Choral, Michael Palmer, conductor,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Hampton's Music Educators Association, Regional Honor Chorus,
South Hampton, New York, February 1998, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
New York State School Music Association Zone 10 Area All–State Girls Chorus,
Poughkeepsie, New York, November 1997, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir and The New Haven Symphony at Yale
University, January 1997, Mahler–Symphony #2, The Resurrection, Michael Palmer, conductor,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Western Connecticut State University Cello Day Conference, Master Class, and Performance,
March 17, 1996, Kevin Jay Isaacs, Guest Conductor
Connecticut Western All–Region Choral Festival, January 1996 at Danbury High School,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Danbury Concert Choir, St. Peter's Church, Danbury, Connecticut, November 1995,
Kevin Isaacs, Guest Conductor
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Connecticut Northern All–Region Choral Festival, Spring 1994 at Central Connecticut State
University, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir, Yale University Choirs and The New
Haven Symphony at Yale University, April 1994, Mahler–Symphony #8, Symphony of a
Thousand, Michael Palmer, conductor, Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Ulster County, New York All–Region Music Festival, March 1994,
Kevin Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Western Connecticut State University Chamber Choir, Texas Christian University Choirs,
University Christian Church Choir and The New York Pops Orchestra at Carnegie Hall,
December 1993, Skitch Henderson, conductor, Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Berkshire League Regional Music Festival Honor Choir, October 1993,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir, Connecticut State University Choirs and
The New Haven Symphony at Yale University, April 1993, Haydn: Lord Nelson Mass, Ravel:
Daphnis and Chloe Suite, Michael Palmer, conductor, Kevin Jay Isaacs, preparer
Camerata Chamber Orchestra, 1993 Danbury First Night, First Congregational Church,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor
Charles Ives Chamber Orchestra and Choir, July 1992, Charles Ives Center for the Arts,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor and clinician
Western Connecticut State University Concert Choir Honor Performance, Connecticut Music
Educators Association Conference, March 1992, Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor
Camerata Chamber Orchestra, 1991 Danbury First Night, St. James Church,
Kevin Jay Isaacs, conductor
Professional Society and Board Memberships
Connecticut Music Educators Association, Annual Conference Attendee: 2004 – 2012
National Collegiate Choral Organization, Member & Biennial Conference Attendee:
2006 & 2008
American Choral Directors Association, Member & Biennial Conference Attendee: 1991 – 2013
National Association for Music Education (formerly, MENC), Member: 1988 – present
American Association of University Professors, Member: 1990 – present
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Member, Past President and Faculty Advisor of Delta Mu chapter
American Composer's Forum, Member: 1990 – 1999
Charles Ives Center for the Arts, Director on Board of Directors: 1995 – 1996
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Western Connecticut State University/Music Department Committees and Service
Graduate Council, 1991– 1998, 1999 – present; Chair, 2007–2009
Visual and Performing Arts Center Building Committee, 2007–present
Termination Hearing Committee, 2011–2013
Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost Search Committee, 2010–2011
Student Life Committee 1996 – 2000, 2009–2011, Co–chair, 1999–2000
NASM Accreditation Self–Study, Co–Author/Researcher/Editor, 2002–2003 & 2008–2009
Chamber Singers High School Spring Tour, 2001–2007, 2009
“One Book, One Community” Committee, 2008–2010
Composition Studio Recital, 2005–2009
Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost Search Committee, 2005–2006
University Ombudsman, 2004–2006
Department of Music Tenure–track Faculty Search Committees:
Voice/Opera, Flute/Chamber, Jazz Studies, Instrumental Ensembles, Theory/Tech &
Choral/Music Education - 1992–2012,
Honorary Doctorate Committee, 1992–1997
Connecticut State University: University-wide Committee on the Arts, 1991–1994
University Faculty Senate, 1991–1994
Faculty Development and Recognition Committee, 1992–1994
Connecticut State University Board of Trustees Mission Review Committee, 1992
Selected Lectures, Panels, Workshops, etc.
Presenter, “The Space Between,” WCSU Music Department Teacher Professional Development
Day, November 6, 2012
Adjudicator and Guest Composer, Darien Young Composers’ Concert and Festival, April 3, 2012
Presenter, “Successfully Conducting the Choral Fermata,” WCSU Music Department Teacher
Professional Development Day, November 8, 2011
Presenter, “Neutrality in Conducting,” WCSU Music Department Teacher Professional
Development Day, November 2, 2010
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Presenter/Panelist, “Popular Music in the College Music Curriculum,” National Meeting of the
National Association of Schools of Music, November 23, 2009
Delegate/Clinician/Teacher, Western Connecticut State University Music Department delegation
to the People’s Republic of China and SIAS University, Summer 2007
Lecturer/Presenter, 10th Connecticut State University Faculty Research Conference, WCSU, “
Teaching Musical Form through Popular Music,” October 14, 2006
Lecturer/Presenter, 9th Connecticut State University Faculty Research Conference, CCSU,
life rounded with sleep, October 22, 2005
Conductor and Clinician, Joel Barlow High School, Redding, CT
Barlow Choral Festival, March 5, 2005
Lecturer and Clinician, Joel Barlow High School, Redding, CT
“Eine Kleine Block Music,” May 25–27, 2004
Conductor and Clinician, Danbury High School, Danbury, CT
Choral Festival, May 5, 2003
Presenter, Connecticut Music Educators Association In–Service Conference,
“Using Lego® Blocks to Teach Composition,” composition in the classroom, April, 2002
Presenter, Connecticut Music Educators Association In–Service Conference,
“Musical Meaning through Analysis,” text enhancement w/ theory, April, 2000
Presenter, Connecticut Music Educator’s Association In–Service Conference,
“Eine Kleine Block Music,” composition for the classroom, April 3, 1998
Clinician/Conductor, Connecticut Music Educators Association
Mixed Choir Clinic and Festival, March 28, 1998
Lecturer, Connecticut State Music Teachers Association Convention,
“Eine Kleine Block Music,” November 1, 1997
Presider, WCSU Jazz Faculty Jazz Ensemble, Dan Goble, conductor, Connecticut Music
Educators Association In–Service Conference, April 5, 1997
Presider, “How to Play the Saxophone in Tune” Dan Goble, Clinician,
Connecticut Music Educators Association In–Service Conference, April 4, 1997
Visiting Composer, Adirondack Festival of American Music, Composer Reading Sessions,
Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith, Conductor, July 1996
Presenter, Connecticut Music Educators Association In–Service Conference,
“Beyond Floor, Wall, Wall, Ceiling” March 15, 1996
Moderator, Connecticut State University Fifth Faculty Research Conference,
September 23, 1995
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Isaacs CV, cont.
Panelist, Connecticut State University Board of Trustees’ Conference on Teaching and Learning,
May 1994, Assessing and Rewarding Effective Teaching
Lecturer, Western Connecticut State University Honors Program Lecture, Nov 1993,
“Meaning in Music Fact or Fiction?” The Viability of Communication Through Music
Lecturer, Western Connecticut State University Honors Program Lecture, Sept 1992, “Look
What They've Done to My Song, Ma” Compositional Control as a Condition of Creativity
Guest Lecturer, PRELUDE Lecture for The New Haven Symphony, Yale University,
April 20, 1992, “The Late Masses of Haydn.”
Lecturer, Music Learning Center, Danbury, Connecticut, May 1992, “Toward More Creative
Conducting” Conducting and Score Reading for the Amateur Choral Conductor
Unpublished Manuscripts
Tutorials on Music Theory, textbook, project for Spring 2001 sabbatic leave
The Brandenburg Concerti: Selected Formal Analyses, textbook, 2002 – 2009
The Beethoven Piano Sonatas: Selected Formal Analyses, textbook, 2002 – 2009
Volunteerism and Personal
Brookfield High School Senior Night Volunteer, 2002–present
Multiple Sclerosis Walk, Danbury, CT; participant, 2003–2008
Mentor, Newtown High School Mentorship Program, 1995–1996, 1996–1997, and 2003–2004
Referee, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, 1998–2009
Coach, Brookfield Soccer Club, 1990–1998
Coach, Baseball and Basketball, Brookfield Parks and Recreation, 1992–1997
Conductor and preparer, Choir for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympic World Games,
New Haven, CT, 1995
Married to Debra Bean Isaacs, Physical Therapist; three sons: Kameron, Zachary, Jackson
Vintage Vinyl Record Collector 4000+ and counting!
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