Brett Poling graduated magna cum laude from the UD Music Department in 1995 with a major in Instrumental Music Education. While at the University of Dayton, he took an interest in composition (see composition list below). Professional organizations he joined in college included Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity and the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association. His student teaching was completed at Dixie High School under the supervision of Mr. David Keener and Mrs. Kay Thomas. Brett received the Brother Mervar Academic and Musical Excellence Award from the U.D. music department in 1995.
He taught choral music, instrumental music, and drama at Newark Catholic High School from 1995-1997. Favorite productions at NCHS included Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? and Steel Magnolias. While in Newark, he participated in productions of Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Cabaret with Weathervane Playhouse. He also starred as Nanki Poo in the Licking County Players production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado. He is currently teaching instrumental music at Lima Central Catholic High School and playing Euphonium with the Piqua Civic Band.