Ms. Sydney

My primary instrument is viola, however I have several years of experience in percussion as well. I have played violin, bass, ukulele, guitar, as well as many years of piano. I received a music minor from Northern Arizona University with many hours in the viola studio and the percussion studio, performing in multiple recitals, orchestra and band concerts, and smaller ensemble concerts throughout my 4 years in Flagstaff. I also performed with the Spirit of Allanta Drum & Bugle Corps in 2021, and have been performing with Breakthrough Indoor Percussion since 2023 as the head of their front ensemble. I enjoy the dedication that goes into performing music, and have spent many hours in private lessons and rehearsals to make special performances happen.

In my employment as a music educator at Flagstaff High School and Desert Mountain High School, I have thoroughly enjoyed passing my education down. I think one of the things that's so special about music is that it's passed down primarily by word of mouth, through private lessons, seminars, masterclasses, etc. There are few things in the world that get taught like music does. Having educators to teach music is so important for that reason. While teaching, I was able to get to know each student as an individual, especially since the schools I was teaching at had kids ranging from very beginners to advanced, and I was teaching them all at the same time. I appreciated that I got to learn about how each student learned as a person, instead of teaching everyone the same. I believe that this helped the ensemble towards the common goal of success in a marching arts setting. I am a firm believer in giving back to the community, and since music gaveso much to me, I believe it's owed to return the favor.