Year of Graduation • 2008
Current Position • I am the high school instrumental music director at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, CO.
Time in current position • Nine years.
Name some accomplishments or awards since graduation.
2017
Colorado Bandmasters Association State Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • Superior Rating, Colorado Bandmasters Association Regional Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • Colorado State University, Pueblo Festival of Winds – Honor Guest Ensemble – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • St. Vrain Middle School Honor Band Conductor, Longmont, CO
2016
Best of the West Honor Band – Symphonic Band Guest Conductor, Grand Junction, CO • 10th place Semi Finalist, 4A Colorado State Marching Championships – Pine Creek High School Eagle Marching Band • National Concert Band Festival – Indianapolis, IN – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • Superior with Distinction, Colorado State Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • Superior Rating, Colorado Bandmasters Association Regional Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • Educator of the Year, Pine Creek High School, Colorado Springs, CO • Volunteer of the Year, Challenger Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO • All City Pueblo High School Honor Band Conductor – Pueblo, CO • Colorado Music Educators Association Clinician – “The Importance of Communication: On, Off and Nowhere Near the Podium”
2015
10th place Semi Finalist, 4A Colorado State Marching Championships – Pine Creek High School Eagle Marching Band • Superior with Distinction, Colorado State Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • Superior Rating, Colorado Bandmasters Association Regional Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • University of Northern Colorado – presentation to the CNAfME chapter on score study and programming • California All-State Music Education Conference Clinician – Settling the Score: Music Worth Hearing; Music Worth Teaching
2014
10th place Semi Finalist, 4A Colorado State Marching Championships – Pine Creek High School Eagle Marching Band • Massachusetts Music Educators Association Conference Clinician – Settling the Score: Music Worth Hearing; Music Worth Teaching;
2013
Colorado Music Educators Association Conference Clinician – Settling the Score: Music Worth Hearing; Music Worth Teaching • 10th place Semi Finalist, 4A Colorado State Marching Championships – Pine Creek High School Eagle Marching Band • Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference Clinician – Settling the Score: Music Worth Hearing; Music Worth Teaching • Excellent Rating, Colorado State Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band • Superior Rating, Colorado Bandmasters Association Regional Concert Band Festival – Pine Creek High School Symphonic Band
How did ABC help prepare you for these?
I feel that ABC was the best preparation I could have ever wanted as a band director. My bands are better because of the pedagogy I learned at ABC. Because of the detailed focus on aspects such as pitch tendencies, literature and alternate fingerings, my ensembles can spend more time on musicality and going beyond the notes. To tell the real story behind the music. Literature was one of my areas – and my project on it inspired my literature website and my clinic Settling the Score: Music Worth Hearing; Music Worth Teaching. ABC also showed me I was not alone – others are as passionate and driven as I am.
What was your most memorable ABC experience?
This is a tough one!!!! Professionally, it was the first time Ray Cramer ever conducted. I was sitting in the trombone section and so nervous for him to work with us. But as he started, I could tell how much he loved what he was doing and how much he wanted us to have a wonderful time making great music. It was life changing – it felt like he was completely there for each one of us individually and as an ensemble. It was so inspiring, and reaffirmed why I wanted to teach. I wanted every student to have that incredible aesthetic experience where you want to cry and laugh at the same time – and you get that incredible feeling in your stomach that you can’t explain. I knew I wanted to help students feel like that. Personally, it was spending time making dinner with my ABC family at the hotel and playing frisbee. Even more personally, it was meeting the man who would be my best friend, partner in life and husband just five years later. I met Brian during my last summer and his first summer – and we crossed paths again in Colorado. We got married in 2012.
Who are your biggest influences/mentors?
My biggest mentors and influences have been my parents, Margaret and John Flynn, and Molly and Ray Cramer.
My parents and the most supportive and loving people I know. They have taught me how to be a good teacher, but even more importantly a good person. I learned about compassion and perseverance from them and because of them, am able to work with students with patience and care. I am who I am because of everything they have done for me.
Molly and Ray are incredible mentors in my life. Brian and I are lucky enough to spend time with them on a more personal level. They are inspirational as a couple and as teachers. They are willing to answer my questions, even if they seem silly and have been there through ups and downs. I have spent hours talking about literature with Mr. Cramer. He has helped me open up my heart and soul to great music.
These influences and mentors have all helped me be the best version of myself, not only as a teacher, but as a person.
What advice do you have for young directors?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Push yourself to be better every day. Take chances • you never know what will come from them. Don’t settle for being mediocre • you can push yourself to your best. Own your mistakes and learn from them. Love your students and be there for them • but as their teacher • they have enough friends. Communicate!! Give yourself time • take care of yourself. If you don’t, you will not be the teacher you want to be or the teacher your students need. Allow yourself to love what you do and make sure your students know of your passion.
