UBU Staff BIOS: David simmons

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David Simmons: Founder, Creative Director, Teaching Artist

An honors graduate of the University of Montana School of Music, David’s diverse career as an educator, performer, producer, recording artist and administrator has taken him to all 50 states, 14 countries and 3 continents. He has served as Education Director and Teaching Artist for Arizona Broadway Theater (Phoenix, AZ), Fort Peck Fine Arts Council (Glasgow, MT),  Desert Foothills Theater (Scottsdale, AZ) and as a Teaching Artist for Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center (Phoenix, AZ), Child’s Play Theater (Mesa, AZ) and the Missoula Children’s Theater (Multiple International Residencies). Additional teaching experience includes residencies with the University of Montana (Missoula, MT), Casper College (Casper, WY) and Estrella Mountain Community College (Phoenix, AZ). Whether in a classroom, coffee shop, rock club or a classical concert hall, David brings a wealth of experience, energy and encouragement to every stage, school or project he encounters. 


Additional Training and Honors: David continued his vocal studies with Kammer Sänger Otto Edelman of the Vienna Statsöper and jazz theory and bass with Dartanyan of Chase, Phoebe Snow and Sly and the Family Stone. He was nominated for the Arizona Governor's Arts Award in Arts Education and served on the Arizona Department of Education Arts and Culture Advisory Board.


ubu staff bios: Julie dauer

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Julie Dauer, M. Ed.: Educator, Curriculum Development, Business Manager:

Julie received her Master’s Degree in Education (sum cum laude) from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. She was inspired to do so having raised a child (now adult) with high functioning autism. In addition she has completed extensive research on adolescents with executive functioning disorders. She has worked as a classroom teacher, tutor and academic coach for struggling learners including students with: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Emotional Disabilities.


Additional Training and Certifications: Julie has earned an Arizona Professional Teacher’s Certification, K-12, Special Education with additional, extensive training in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She also continues to develop and implement her own progressive and creative applications of educational strategies for students with executive functioning disorders through Mathematics and Writing Education.