Band is open to all 4th-8th graders at Franklin School. I hope to see many new students take part this year! Playing in band is a wonderful way to express yourself, make lifelong friends, and better yourself as both a student and a human. I love watching my students grow as musicians, feel the joy of performing and take pride in their accomplishments. It is truly an honor to work with them.

Background and Education:

I have been teaching band in North Bergen since 2006. Prior to beginning my teaching career, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Education at the College of New Jersey and my Master's degree in Music Education from Carnegie Mellon University. My major instrument is clarinet and my principal teachers have been Roger McKinney and Tommy Thompson, of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Music is my lifelong hobby and passion. I am a member of the Eastern Wind Symphony, which has made appearances at venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the International Trumpet Guild Conference, and NJPAC. Additionally, I freelance with other orchestras and chamber groups. I also continue to take summer music courses and enjoy bringing back ideas to refine our techniques as well as resources that we can use in our lessons and rehearsals.