I started piano lessons when I was 4 with my dad at one end of the piano and me at the other, somehow he stopped and I kept going. I performed at the piano thru grade school at all the P.T.A. meetings and anywhere else my class (9 students) was responsible for the entertainment. I started the saxophone in 5th grade and choir in 7th. I performed in area choral festivals, instrumental concerts, district festivals and summer camps while in school. In high school I marched at Disney world with Alton high school. I attended Blackburn College and graduated with bachelor’s degree in music education. While at Blackburn I had summer jobs with Christian Ministries in the National Parks, Custer South Dakota and the Girls Scouts of Singing Sands, Lawton Michigan. I studied under John Rutter, the well known British composer while pursuing higher education. I have taught music in public and private schools for 23 years working with classes K-12. I have taught grade school private lessons, 5 and 6 beginner bands, Jr. High band, and high school band, marching band, Jazz Band, and numerous ensembles. I directed grade school plays, Christmas programs, spring plays, Jr. High Plays, and H.S. plays such as Grease, West Side Story, and Secret Garden. I also conducted 5 church choirs including adult choir, hand bell choir, creative movement, and much more. I also have spent many years working for Hal Leonard Publishing as a workshop provider in their education department. I traveled the mid-west training teachers in the use of the Hal Leonard materials. I am a member of IMEA, ACDA, and MENC.