Having worked in the fields of music and education for 57 years (I began playing the organ for church at age 12 and began teaching piano lessons at age 14), it is a privilege to come on board as the long-term substitute teacher for elementary general music at Ankeny Christian Academy. I have previously taught music and gifted education, in addition to employment at tutoring services, in Avon and Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Akron and Ankeny, Iowa; Diamondhead, Kiln, and Gulfport, Mississippi. Currently, I serve as the piano accompanist for Northview Middle School Choirs and Ignition 8th Grade Show Choir, as well as for Ankeny Centennial High School instrumental soloists at the Perry Band Olympics.
I believe that music is special gift given by God, to each of us, as well as a critical part of child development. We are enjoying singing, dancing, playing instruments, learning history about music and experiencing music from many world cultures. We will be sharing examples of what we have learned at the Christmas Concert. It has been especially fun for me to remember and renew the beloved songs I learned as a child in Avon, South Dakota, and then taught my own children and their friends at our family church in Akron, Iowa.
My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 6:8 - “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ’Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” My daily prayer is, “Lord, Be Thou My Vision, show me how to serve.”