I am so excited to be teaching General Music at Hawthorne and Bower this year (and two classes at Washington!).  Introducing young children to the world of music is just about one of my favorite things to do.  Whether it’s singing, dancing, listening, playing instruments, composing, or studying the history of music, I love it!  And my goal is that the students at Hawthorne will, too.  I started playing the violin at the age of three, met my husband in the Wheaton College orchestra, play in the New Philharmonic Orchestra,  taught music in Naperville, taught preschool in Westchester, teach/play/sing at my church,  have two “big kids” that play cello and help lead music at their churches, and have an elementary age daughter who loves to sing Disney songs with me loud and proud… I guess you could say music is a pretty important part of ME!  

     Besides music, I have a special love for good children’s books and spending time outside.  Two of my favorite places to visit are Estes Park, Colorado and Whidbey Island, Washington.  I love to travel and have visited four continents - I have yet to visit South America and Australia (well, Antarctica, too!).  What’s one of my favorite things to do when I visit new countries?  Find out about their music, of course!  I’m looking forward to a great year of getting to know the Hawthorne students and making music together.