Andrews Elementary
Sarah Riordan has been the music specialist at Andrews Elementary since 2008. She directs two school choirs for 4th and 5th graders. She obtained her Music Education degree at the University of North Texas where her instrument of study was the saxophone. Ms. Riordan is endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). She has been named Beginning Teacher of the Year and Experienced Teacher of the Year at Andrews, as well as North Texas Children’s Choir (NTCC) Wetteland Teacher-Leader. Ms. Riordan is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She feels so blessed to share her love of music with her students every day, and to give them this amazing NTCC experience.
Baker Elementary
Julie Duncan is in her seventh year of teaching elementary music, and her first year at John A. Baker Elementary. Prior to teaching at Baker, Mrs. Duncan has taught PK-5 music in Lubbock ISD and K-5 music in McKinney ISD. She received her OAKE endorsed Kodaly certification from the Plano Kodaly Training Program at Southern Methodist University, as well as completing Levels 1 and 2 of Orff-Schulwerk training. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Tarleton State University, and a Master of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University. Mrs. Duncan is a member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Organization of American Kodaly Educators (OAKE), and American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA). She is also a member of the Dallas Symphony Chorus.
Bethany Elementary
Laura Beth Burton has been the music specialist at Bethany Elementary since 2015. She has one school choir of 4th and 5th graders called the Bethany All Star Choir. She obtained two Music degrees at Texas Woman's University in Liberal Arts: Vocal Performance and Music Education. She taught private voice lessons at Harpool Middle School and out of her home. She performed in many operas and shows at TWU. Ms. Burton is a member of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). She is certified in the level I of the Kodály training program through PISD. Mrs. Burton is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She is grateful for this opportunity with NTCC to give her students the memories and experiences to help them blossom their passion for music.
Beverly Elementary
Ben Porter has been teaching music in Plano ISD for 20 years, and this is his seventeenth year with Beverly Elementary and the North Texas Children’s Choir. A guitarist at heart, Mr. Porter plays many instruments and enjoys creating opportunities for all of his students to perform each year. During his time with the North Texas Children’s Choir, Ben has been honored as the NTCC Teacher of the Year 2003-2004, and Sue Bancroft Teacher of the Year 2013-2014.
Cox Elementary
Kayla Gentry is in her 8th year as a music teacher at Wayne A. Cox Elementary in Northwest Independent School District. She earned her Master of Music in Music Education from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, Denton, TX. Mrs. Gentry is a certified Kodály educator having earned her OAKE endorsed certificate in July of 2013 through the Plano Kodály Teacher Program at Southern Methodist University. She served for 2 years as the North Texas Representative for the Kodály Educators of Texas. Mrs. Gentry was one of the directors of the NISD All-District Honor Choir that performed at TMEA in 2013. Mrs. Gentry has co-presented workshops for regional professional development, school districts, and professional organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. In February of 2016 she co-presented at the 2016 Texas Music Education Association Conference in San Antonio, TX.
Daffron Elementary
Virginia Asiatico is currently in her thirty-first year of teaching spending twenty-four of those in Plano I.S.D. and seventeen at her current school Daffron Elementary. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Music Education and Kodály certification from Sam Houston State University. She has directed children’s choirs for over twenty years and is currently in her tenth year as director of the Plano Children’s Chorale, an auditioned choir for identified musically exceptional Plano I.S.D. fifth graders. She is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Organization of American Kodály Educators, the International Kodály Society, and has been awarded a Lifetime PTA membership.
Dodd Intermediate
Megan Lamb is in her fifth year as the music teacher at Dodd Intermediate in Krum ISD. There she teaches 4th and 5th grade general music, directs Dodd Bobcat Choir, coaches UIL Music Memory, and directs NTCC. Mrs. Lamb holds two bachelor's degrees: one in Music Education and the other in Flute Performance from the University of North Texas. Mrs. Lamb is the recipient winner of the NTCC Sue Bancroft Teacher of the Year in 2016.
Ginnings Elementary
Michael Leonas is in his fourth year teaching elementary music education. Originally a band director, Mr. Leonas converted to the choral and general music world and found a new passion in the world of music education. Mr. Leonas was the Department Chair for the music teachers in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas for two years. He obtained Kodály Levels 1 & 2 from SMU, and will be completing Level 3 this summer at another institution. Mr. Leonas is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the West Dallas Youth Men’s Choir, a public organization where young Latinos participate in a bilingual choral music education program. Mr. Leonas wishes to empower young Latinos through comprehensive music education opportunities.
Hightower Elementary
Brenda Keen has taught 19 of her 23 years in elementary music in Plano ISD. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Kodály certificate from the University of North Texas/Plano ISD Certification Program. Brenda has taught in the Plano ISD Kodály Certification Program for 9 years and has presented sessions at TCDA, at the Plano Senior High School TMEA student meetings, at TCU, and for KET on several occasions. She has directed many school and church choirs including the Plano Children's Chorale. Brenda has sponsored over 200 singers in the North Texas Children's Choir, and over 65 of her students have been selected for the OAKE National Honor Choirs. She was named the Metroplex Children's Choir Teacher of the Year in 2003, and Teacher of the Year for Hightower Elementary in 2006. She was awarded the North Texas Children’s Choir Wetteland Teacher-Leader Award in 2014. She served on the National Children's Choir Committee for OAKE, on the Advisory Committee for OAKE, and is Past-President of the Kodály Educators of Texas. Recently Brenda was elected Southern Division President-Elect of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, a position she will begin in 2017.
Huffman Elementary
Chara Rollins is the music specialist at Huffman Elementary and in her eleventh year of teaching. She is a 2005 graduate of Howard Payne University and holds a Bachelor of Music degree. She began her Kodály certification process this year and is in her first year at Huffman. Mrs. Rollins began singing and making music since she was little participating in choirs, bands, and theater, and loves bringing those same musical experiences to young ones.
Lux Venit Choral Academy and Richland Elementary
Richard Carr graduated from TCU in 1991 with an All-Level Vocal Music Education degree. He has been married to his wife Mary for 21 years, and has four children ages 10-17. Richard has taught in Birdville ISD for 25 years, and is currently at Richland Elementary. Richard also started a homeschool choir, Lux Venit Choral Academy, in Northeast Tarrant County in 2012. This choir has 110 students, ages K-12th grade, in 5 separate choirs.
McNair Elementary
Megan Johnson received her Bachelor of Music (Music Education) from the University of North Texas, and Kodály Level I, II, and III Certification from Southern Methodist University. Mrs. Johnson is completing her fifth year of teaching music at McNair Elementary School.
Reynolds Middle School
Dena Anderson is the Choir Director at Reynolds Middle School in Prosper ISD. She is in her tenth year of teaching with her past experiences including teaching elementary music, directing children's choir at church, and teaching middle school choirs. She is a former member of the Texas All-State Choir (1989). Her Kodály Certification came from the University of North Texas. She and her husband Jeff have 3 children, Danielle age 16, Megan age 13, and Ryan age 10.
Rogers Middle School
Crystal Chamberlain is in her fifth year as the Choir Director at Lorene Rogers Middle School in Prosper Independent School District where she teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choir. Ms. Chamberlain is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She then earned a Master of the Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from Texas Woman's University. In 2015 Ms. Chamberlain was selected for the Wetteland Teacher-Leader Award by the North Texas Children's Choir board of directors. In 2016 she and the Rogers Choir were honored with an invitation to perform for the Texas Music Educator's Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Crystal is a member of TMEA and TCDA, and is an OAKE Certified Teacher. In addition to her work as the choir director at Rogers, Ms. Chamberlain also serves as the Choral Curriculum Designer for Prosper ISD.
Rucker Elementary
Lindsey Perkin holds her Bachelors of Music from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX, and her Kodály Certification from Southern Methodist University. She has been teaching for five years and is currently the Music Specialist and Honor Choir Director for Rucker Elementary School in Prosper, TX. This is her first year to participate in NTCC, and she is thrilled for her students to have such a wonderful choral experience. Lindsey lives in Addison, TX with her husband Heath and loves to spend time with her family.
Schell Elementary
Rachel Eldridge grew up in Allen, Texas, and is one of two music specialists at Schell Elementary. She is in her second year of teaching elementary music, both in Plano ISD. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University where her instrument of study was the saxophone, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association. Mrs. Eldridge is currently obtaining her Kodály certification through the Plano ISD Teacher Training Program at SMU, and she enjoys playing the saxophone in the orchestra at her church. Mrs. Eldridge would like to thank God for blessing her with the passion to teach and make music, and her family and husband Matthew for their continuous love and support.
Stinson
Hillary Brandise Leverton is a music specialist with one goal in mind: to inspire her students to excel and express themselves through music. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. She immediately began teaching elementary music for Plano ISD in the Fall of 2007.
Wilson Elementary
David Rowland is in his 15th year of teaching elementary music. He loves his job making music with children and teaching them to become independent musicians. He received his degree from the University of North Texas with a concentration in Voice and minor in Piano. He is honored to be the choir director for the Woodrow Wilson All-Star Choir with a 60-voice auditioned group of 4th and 5th graders. He receives amazing support from staff and administrators on campus to continue to make the music program a wonderful experience for children. In addition to his bachelor's degree, he also is certified in all levels of Kodály and Orff. He has performed in various ensembles, directed musicals, and lead worship throughout his teaching career. When not making music, Mr. Rowland spends time with his pugs and really enjoys travel.
Wortham Elementary and Middle School
Linda Ferris has been teaching since 1983. She has taught early childhood education for 23 years, has had a piano studio since 1987, and has served two churches since 1988 as accompanist. She has worked at taught at Wortham ISD since 2004 as Elementary Music Specialist and Choir Program Director. Linda has her degree in Instrumental Performance (oboe) from LSU where she studied with Earnest Harrison. When she realized that the rural community where she lives needed long-standing instruction and experiences in higher level music, she and her husband returned to school to become certified teachers. Still maintaining a piano studio in the area, Mrs. Ferris' goal is to see a new generation introduced to the joys and fulfillment of music education. Mrs. Ferris also introduced a choral program to the growing homeschool family teams in her area.
Sarah Riordan has been the music specialist at Andrews Elementary since 2008. She directs two school choirs for 4th and 5th graders. She obtained her Music Education degree at the University of North Texas where her instrument of study was the saxophone. Ms. Riordan is endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). She has been named Beginning Teacher of the Year and Experienced Teacher of the Year at Andrews, as well as North Texas Children’s Choir (NTCC) Wetteland Teacher-Leader. Ms. Riordan is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She feels so blessed to share her love of music with her students every day, and to give them this amazing NTCC experience.
Baker Elementary
Julie Duncan is in her seventh year of teaching elementary music, and her first year at John A. Baker Elementary. Prior to teaching at Baker, Mrs. Duncan has taught PK-5 music in Lubbock ISD and K-5 music in McKinney ISD. She received her OAKE endorsed Kodaly certification from the Plano Kodaly Training Program at Southern Methodist University, as well as completing Levels 1 and 2 of Orff-Schulwerk training. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Tarleton State University, and a Master of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University. Mrs. Duncan is a member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Organization of American Kodaly Educators (OAKE), and American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA). She is also a member of the Dallas Symphony Chorus.
Bethany Elementary
Laura Beth Burton has been the music specialist at Bethany Elementary since 2015. She has one school choir of 4th and 5th graders called the Bethany All Star Choir. She obtained two Music degrees at Texas Woman's University in Liberal Arts: Vocal Performance and Music Education. She taught private voice lessons at Harpool Middle School and out of her home. She performed in many operas and shows at TWU. Ms. Burton is a member of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). She is certified in the level I of the Kodály training program through PISD. Mrs. Burton is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She is grateful for this opportunity with NTCC to give her students the memories and experiences to help them blossom their passion for music.
Beverly Elementary
Ben Porter has been teaching music in Plano ISD for 20 years, and this is his seventeenth year with Beverly Elementary and the North Texas Children’s Choir. A guitarist at heart, Mr. Porter plays many instruments and enjoys creating opportunities for all of his students to perform each year. During his time with the North Texas Children’s Choir, Ben has been honored as the NTCC Teacher of the Year 2003-2004, and Sue Bancroft Teacher of the Year 2013-2014.
Cox Elementary
Kayla Gentry is in her 8th year as a music teacher at Wayne A. Cox Elementary in Northwest Independent School District. She earned her Master of Music in Music Education from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, Denton, TX. Mrs. Gentry is a certified Kodály educator having earned her OAKE endorsed certificate in July of 2013 through the Plano Kodály Teacher Program at Southern Methodist University. She served for 2 years as the North Texas Representative for the Kodály Educators of Texas. Mrs. Gentry was one of the directors of the NISD All-District Honor Choir that performed at TMEA in 2013. Mrs. Gentry has co-presented workshops for regional professional development, school districts, and professional organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. In February of 2016 she co-presented at the 2016 Texas Music Education Association Conference in San Antonio, TX.
Daffron Elementary
Virginia Asiatico is currently in her thirty-first year of teaching spending twenty-four of those in Plano I.S.D. and seventeen at her current school Daffron Elementary. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Music Education and Kodály certification from Sam Houston State University. She has directed children’s choirs for over twenty years and is currently in her tenth year as director of the Plano Children’s Chorale, an auditioned choir for identified musically exceptional Plano I.S.D. fifth graders. She is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Organization of American Kodály Educators, the International Kodály Society, and has been awarded a Lifetime PTA membership.
Dodd Intermediate
Megan Lamb is in her fifth year as the music teacher at Dodd Intermediate in Krum ISD. There she teaches 4th and 5th grade general music, directs Dodd Bobcat Choir, coaches UIL Music Memory, and directs NTCC. Mrs. Lamb holds two bachelor's degrees: one in Music Education and the other in Flute Performance from the University of North Texas. Mrs. Lamb is the recipient winner of the NTCC Sue Bancroft Teacher of the Year in 2016.
Ginnings Elementary
Michael Leonas is in his fourth year teaching elementary music education. Originally a band director, Mr. Leonas converted to the choral and general music world and found a new passion in the world of music education. Mr. Leonas was the Department Chair for the music teachers in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas for two years. He obtained Kodály Levels 1 & 2 from SMU, and will be completing Level 3 this summer at another institution. Mr. Leonas is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the West Dallas Youth Men’s Choir, a public organization where young Latinos participate in a bilingual choral music education program. Mr. Leonas wishes to empower young Latinos through comprehensive music education opportunities.
Hightower Elementary
Brenda Keen has taught 19 of her 23 years in elementary music in Plano ISD. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Kodály certificate from the University of North Texas/Plano ISD Certification Program. Brenda has taught in the Plano ISD Kodály Certification Program for 9 years and has presented sessions at TCDA, at the Plano Senior High School TMEA student meetings, at TCU, and for KET on several occasions. She has directed many school and church choirs including the Plano Children's Chorale. Brenda has sponsored over 200 singers in the North Texas Children's Choir, and over 65 of her students have been selected for the OAKE National Honor Choirs. She was named the Metroplex Children's Choir Teacher of the Year in 2003, and Teacher of the Year for Hightower Elementary in 2006. She was awarded the North Texas Children’s Choir Wetteland Teacher-Leader Award in 2014. She served on the National Children's Choir Committee for OAKE, on the Advisory Committee for OAKE, and is Past-President of the Kodály Educators of Texas. Recently Brenda was elected Southern Division President-Elect of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, a position she will begin in 2017.
Huffman Elementary
Chara Rollins is the music specialist at Huffman Elementary and in her eleventh year of teaching. She is a 2005 graduate of Howard Payne University and holds a Bachelor of Music degree. She began her Kodály certification process this year and is in her first year at Huffman. Mrs. Rollins began singing and making music since she was little participating in choirs, bands, and theater, and loves bringing those same musical experiences to young ones.
Lux Venit Choral Academy and Richland Elementary
Richard Carr graduated from TCU in 1991 with an All-Level Vocal Music Education degree. He has been married to his wife Mary for 21 years, and has four children ages 10-17. Richard has taught in Birdville ISD for 25 years, and is currently at Richland Elementary. Richard also started a homeschool choir, Lux Venit Choral Academy, in Northeast Tarrant County in 2012. This choir has 110 students, ages K-12th grade, in 5 separate choirs.
McNair Elementary
Megan Johnson received her Bachelor of Music (Music Education) from the University of North Texas, and Kodály Level I, II, and III Certification from Southern Methodist University. Mrs. Johnson is completing her fifth year of teaching music at McNair Elementary School.
Reynolds Middle School
Dena Anderson is the Choir Director at Reynolds Middle School in Prosper ISD. She is in her tenth year of teaching with her past experiences including teaching elementary music, directing children's choir at church, and teaching middle school choirs. She is a former member of the Texas All-State Choir (1989). Her Kodály Certification came from the University of North Texas. She and her husband Jeff have 3 children, Danielle age 16, Megan age 13, and Ryan age 10.
Rogers Middle School
Crystal Chamberlain is in her fifth year as the Choir Director at Lorene Rogers Middle School in Prosper Independent School District where she teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choir. Ms. Chamberlain is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She then earned a Master of the Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from Texas Woman's University. In 2015 Ms. Chamberlain was selected for the Wetteland Teacher-Leader Award by the North Texas Children's Choir board of directors. In 2016 she and the Rogers Choir were honored with an invitation to perform for the Texas Music Educator's Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Crystal is a member of TMEA and TCDA, and is an OAKE Certified Teacher. In addition to her work as the choir director at Rogers, Ms. Chamberlain also serves as the Choral Curriculum Designer for Prosper ISD.
Rucker Elementary
Lindsey Perkin holds her Bachelors of Music from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX, and her Kodály Certification from Southern Methodist University. She has been teaching for five years and is currently the Music Specialist and Honor Choir Director for Rucker Elementary School in Prosper, TX. This is her first year to participate in NTCC, and she is thrilled for her students to have such a wonderful choral experience. Lindsey lives in Addison, TX with her husband Heath and loves to spend time with her family.
Schell Elementary
Rachel Eldridge grew up in Allen, Texas, and is one of two music specialists at Schell Elementary. She is in her second year of teaching elementary music, both in Plano ISD. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University where her instrument of study was the saxophone, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association. Mrs. Eldridge is currently obtaining her Kodály certification through the Plano ISD Teacher Training Program at SMU, and she enjoys playing the saxophone in the orchestra at her church. Mrs. Eldridge would like to thank God for blessing her with the passion to teach and make music, and her family and husband Matthew for their continuous love and support.
Stinson
Hillary Brandise Leverton is a music specialist with one goal in mind: to inspire her students to excel and express themselves through music. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. She immediately began teaching elementary music for Plano ISD in the Fall of 2007.
Wilson Elementary
David Rowland is in his 15th year of teaching elementary music. He loves his job making music with children and teaching them to become independent musicians. He received his degree from the University of North Texas with a concentration in Voice and minor in Piano. He is honored to be the choir director for the Woodrow Wilson All-Star Choir with a 60-voice auditioned group of 4th and 5th graders. He receives amazing support from staff and administrators on campus to continue to make the music program a wonderful experience for children. In addition to his bachelor's degree, he also is certified in all levels of Kodály and Orff. He has performed in various ensembles, directed musicals, and lead worship throughout his teaching career. When not making music, Mr. Rowland spends time with his pugs and really enjoys travel.
Wortham Elementary and Middle School
Linda Ferris has been teaching since 1983. She has taught early childhood education for 23 years, has had a piano studio since 1987, and has served two churches since 1988 as accompanist. She has worked at taught at Wortham ISD since 2004 as Elementary Music Specialist and Choir Program Director. Linda has her degree in Instrumental Performance (oboe) from LSU where she studied with Earnest Harrison. When she realized that the rural community where she lives needed long-standing instruction and experiences in higher level music, she and her husband returned to school to become certified teachers. Still maintaining a piano studio in the area, Mrs. Ferris' goal is to see a new generation introduced to the joys and fulfillment of music education. Mrs. Ferris also introduced a choral program to the growing homeschool family teams in her area.