Russ Braun serves as the Band Director at ADM High School.  He is celebrating 25 years of service with ADM this year.   Russ was born in Orange City, IA and was raised in Marcus, IA.  He received his BA from University of South Dakota and he received his MA from Morningside University.  Russ has always loved music and has always enjoyed helping others.  He wanted to be a teacher because he wanted to share his passion for music with others.  His family encouraged him to pursue this passion and he had some amazing teachers who inspired him along the way, as well.  

Prior to calling ADM home, Russ taught for 4 years at West Sioux Community Schools in Hawarden, Iowa. He chose ADM because he was hoping to move closer to the metro area, and the Iowa High School Music Association president called Russ and suggested he take a good look at ADM.  Russ shared, “When I visited, I was drawn to the home town feel of Adel.  During my interview, I got to sit down with staff members and students and even back in 2000, I could tell that everyone was hungry to learn new skills and grow the program. This was very exciting for me.”

Mr. Braun stays at ADM because of the staff, the parents, and the students.  He feels very blessed to have such a great community of people who genuinely care and are willing to volunteer their time and talents to support the fine arts.  He feels that everyone he works with (staff and parents, alike) share a common goal of helping students who, in return, are kind, thoughtful, and have a way of making every day a new adventure.  

Regarding what he enjoys most about his current role at ADM, Russ stated that he loves “seeing students work so hard to learn, and then have a great performance, knowing that I helped them achieve something that they didn't think or know they could achieve.”  He also enjoys seeing who Mr. Griebel will dress up as for Halloween every year.

When he is not with the band, Russ loves spending time with his family, watching movies, fishing, and camping.   

Please help us thank Russ Braun for his 25 years of service to the ADM community.