I am beginning my 18th year as Director of Choral Activities at Lincoln Southwest High School.  For the 2020-21 school year, I am continuing my role as Music Department Chair.  I have a wonderful group of colleagues that I work with each day and am proud to be part of such an exciting and growing Music Department.  As Choral Director, I have the privilege to direct the Varsity Select Chamber Choir, co-direct Varsity Concert Choir, Mixed Concert Choir, Freshman Choir, assist with the Prep and Varsity Show Choirs and I am the Vocal Music Director of the annual LSW Musical.  I am a member of MENC, NMEA, ACDA, and NCDA as well as serving on committees at LSW.

I am a Missouri native (GO MIZZOU) from a small rural community, New Franklin, pop. 1100 (near Columbia and home of Sarah Evans!!).  I have 5 sisters and one brother-he is the oldest.   I am 6th in line.   My mom would tell that I began playing the piano when I was 2 years old. I took some lessons during elementary school but began taking seriously when I was a freshman in high school.   My sisters made their own clothes (plus mine) while I kept the family entertained.  I always knew I wanted to be a Music Teacher!

I received my Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Columbia. While there, I was featured soloist in various choral works and concerts, and sang roles in Mozart’s Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute), Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), and Johann Strauss’  Die Fledermaus (The Bat). I earned my Master of Music Degree from the University of Illinois-Champaign. While at Illinois, I performed rolls in Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), Die Zauberflote (Mozart), Ariadne auf Naxos (Richard Strauss), and the Coronation of Poppea (Monteverdi).

I have taught pre-school through high school music for 26 years in Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska.  I took 9 years off to be a MOM!!  I have served as pianist, organist, soloist and children’s choir director at churches in these states, as well.  I have also taught private piano and voice lessons throughout my career.

I have been HAPPILY married for 39 years to my husband, Dan, and we have three children: Josh (35), Andy (33) and Amy (27).   I also love my role of “Grandma” to our 4 grandchildren, Hayden, Hattie, Charlotte and Declan.  Josh has his degree in Building Trades/Construction Management and owns his own business, COTTON’S CONCRETE, here in Lincoln and is married to his lovely wife Aubrey.  Andy is working for TEKSystems in Kansas City, MO and has a lovely wife, Kristin.   Amy is a 5th year Elementary Teacher at Pershing Elementary here in Lincoln and married to wonderful man, Connor Emanual.   Thanks to my family for their support of my work at LSW!

I love teaching at LSW and look forward to another great year in E-Wing!