Role(s) at Shipley:  Director of Choirs 

(Choir 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, MS Lunch Choir, Glee Club, Shipley Singers, US Musical Director of Music)

Education:

BM, Music Education, West Chester University

MM, Sacred Music, Westminster Choir College

Kodaly I & II Certification

Orff I Certification

I come from a family of musicians. My parents met in college as music majors (organ and trumpet), and my sister plays nearly every string instrument under the sun. My grandfather was a pianist and taught me chords on the piano at a very young age. I was also fortunate to have some really incredible and inspiring music teachers growing up. This perfect balance of nurture and nature brought me to where I am today!

I loved growing up as a pianist, but it always felt a little lonely. Choir taught me the joy of making music collaboratively, and how amazing it can be to share something so beautiful with people you care about. As an educator, I want to provide the tools for my students to be not only self-sufficient musicians, but also the amazing sense of community that comes along with making music in an ensemble setting. The world needs more beauty and art and less ego. The choir room is the perfect setting for students to experience the magic of that firsthand.

I think Shipley students are still getting to know me. Over time, I hope they see that I love what I do—and that this love comes from prioritizing people first and the art form second. I also tend to make corny jokes that no one finds funny but me, and I’m perfectly OK with that.

This is tough… so many! I think if I could only choose one musician, it would be Johann Sebastian Bach, which is so ironic, because I grew up playing his keyboard works as a kid and, quite frankly, was not a fan. It wasn’t until later in life that I discovered his choral music, and that’s what hooked me. As a composer, he encompassed the perfect balance between the logical and creative sides of the brain. His music is so deeply expressive, dramatic, and emotional, yet it is presented in a perfectly structured and balanced way. I think it’s safe to say that many, if not most, composers are stronger at one or the other, but Bach was a master of both. In addition, his life story is pretty insane. The obstacles presented throughout his life did not stop him from living his true calling. It’s a prime example of one's art becoming therapy. Without his grit and unwavering spirit, our world would be just a little bit (or a lot!) less beautiful. Also, Beyonce isn’t so bad either.

My parents brainwashed me at a young age with their music. I grew up listening to everything from the Beatles and Elton John to Styx and Van Halen. I still enjoy the music of the 60s and 70s today but also have a wonderful nostalgia for the music of the 90s and early 2000s. Put on an old Backstreet Boys jam and it’s impossible to feel sad!

I have an English cream golden retriever named Vito, who is the bestest boy there ever was.

I am always interested in getting to know students outside of the classroom! What are your interests other than music?