Staff Spotlight: Jaida Brockman, Coolidge & GCHS

By Brayden Cook '26

Every week throughout the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week’s staff highlight is Jaida Brockman!

Brockman is a band teacher at Coolidge Junior High School and Granite City High School, and has been working in GCSD9 for five years.

Where did you go to school?
I went to Mattoon High School and then Eastern Illinois University. I’ve been watching the Granite City Marching Warriors compete since my freshman year of high school, and I met some amazing Granite City musicians at honor band festivals. I knew I wanted to student teach here, so I moved on a short-term lease and ended up being able to stay! I’m very grateful to be part of this district and this amazing team.

What inspired you to be a band teacher?
I had really fun band directors who pushed me to get better. My high school band director made band exciting and always seemed like he was having a blast with his job. When I became a drum major in high school and worked with several band members outside of school, I realized how band helps students become not only better musicians, but also better people. I knew then that I wanted to help students realize their potential as musicians and as people.

What is the most rewarding part of being a band director?
The absolute best part of my job is watching students grow up! I work with students from 7th grade through senior year, so I get to watch them learn new concepts, find new friend groups, come out of their shells, develop their own personalities, play more challenging music, and take on leadership or mentorship roles. Along the way, I get to help encourage them to make the right choices, never give up, and push themselves to be better.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue music in high school?
At least try it, even if it’s your first year ever doing band! It may sound cliché, but band is a family of supportive people who want everyone to get better. You put in the work, trust others to do the same, and create great music while making fun memories with lifelong friends.

How do you keep students motivated during long practices or challenging pieces?
It’s a marathon, not a race! I try to remind them that the most rewarding things in life take work, time, and perseverance to achieve. It’s not like social media’s instant 15-second gratification—consistent effort and a positive attitude every day make all the difference. With the end goal in mind, it’s also important to recognize progress and celebrate small successes.

Favorite Food?
I like sushi! My favorite place to go is Sushi AI.

Hobbies?
I love traveling (I’ve been to 11 countries, with two more planned for this summer), watching movies, and attending concerts and St. Louis Blues games.

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net