About Me

Young people today are far more stressed and anxious than they deserve to be.  Some of these pressures are self-induced, with stressors and stimuli coming from technology and social media.  However, there are so many other factors that also come from parents, family, teachers, and their peers.  In my opinion, the choral classroom is a place where students can go to be themselves and be free of the angst that fills other aspects of their lives.  They should be able feel confident, comfortable, and safe so that they can make music in a manner that will not only demonstrate that they are capable singers and musicians, but also fully engaged human beings.

In addition, I believe that the study of music, especially choral music, creates a holistic learner that few other content areas are capable.  In most classes, the success of the person sitting next to you has little impact on your success.  However, when singing in a choir, every voice matters and everyone’s success matters.  The study of music can also tie together things like literature, history, mathematics, physics, and philosophy all the while allowing the students to grow in appreciation of the many cultures from around the globe.

It is my genuine hope that all of my students find a lifelong love and appreciation of music.   I hope that being in my classroom and being involved in the musical family that we create positively shapes their worldview.