CMASC GOVERNING BOARD
Senior Chair
Cherese Bennett Russell Middle School cherese.bennett@d11.org Cherese started teaching in 2004 after graduating from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Music Education. Currently she is teaching at Russell Middle School. She had the opportunity to teach in Kumamoto, Japan for a year in 2008. There she taught English to elementary and junior high school students through the JET Program. Even though she enjoyed her time there, she is very happy to be back teaching her passion, choral music. She has been a member of the All State Board since 2012. 
Immediate Past Chair
Deanna Thaler Falcon Creek Middle School dthaler@cherrycreekschools.org Deanna Thaler teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choir at Falcon Creek Middle School as well as 7th and 8th grade music technology. Prior to her appointment at Falcon Creek, she taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choir and guitar at Rocky Heights Middle School in Highlands Ranch (2013 - 2021), Choirs under Mrs. Thaler’s direction have received consistent superior ratings at local music festivals. She believes in instilling a lifelong love of music in her students and is proud to serve on the Colorado Middle School All State Choir Board. Mrs. Thaler graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Performance Certificate. She also loves performing regularly with the Colorado Symphony Chorus and as a cantor in many local churches. 
Treasurer
Vicki Bailey Colorado Childrens Chorale bailey@childrenschorale.org Vicki holds a Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music Education from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she also won the Anderson's Undergraduate Vocal Scholarship Competition in 2011. After graduating, she held the position of Choir and Drama Director at Lyons Middle Senior High School for 6 years. Additionally, she has spent the last four summers as the music director for Center Stage Theatre Company's summer camp intensive. Ms. Bailey has a wealth of experience and talent, and loves sharing as much of this as she can with each of her students, bringing a positive energy to the process. She is currently a director with the Colorado Children's Chorale. 
Chair Emerita
Abby Martinez Erie Middle School martinez_abigail@svvsd.org Abby Martinez has taught at Erie Middle School since Fall 2010, where she currently teaches three grade-level choirs and three extracurricular choirs. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music Education. As a founding member of the CMASC Board, Abby was the board Secretary for four years before stepping into the Co-Chair role from 2015-2017. She has served as a guest clinician and adjudicator across Colorado, and conducted the 2019 CMASC Directors' Choir. She lives in Erie, CO with her husband, Jeremiah, and two children, Charlotte and Asher. 
Webmaster
Jacob Aychman Coal Ridge Middle School aychman_jacob@svvsd.org Jacob Aychman is the Director of Choirs at Coal Ridge Middle School in Firestone, CO. He holds both a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the University of Northern Colorado, where he graduated with highest honors in 2021. In his time there, Jacob also won the 2019 Greeley Chorale Conducting Competition, and went on to conduct operatic, orchestral, and chamber works at the Varna International Music Academy in Varna, Bulgaria, later that year. Jacob has also performed as a soloist with Opera Fort Collins, and has sung with choirs in the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Santa Maria de Montserrat, and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. He lives in Loveland. |
Junior Chair
Michelle White Swallows Charter Academy mwhite@district70.org Michelle White is currently the 6-12 music and choir teacher at Swallows Charter Academy in Pueblo West, Colorado. She graduated with a BA from Adams State University in 2015, and her Masters in Music Education and Kodaly levels at Colorado State University in 2019. She has been on the CMASC Board since 2016. 
Immediate Past Chair
Kelly Carmichael Centennial Middle School & Boulder High School kelly.carmichael@bvsd.org Kelly Carmichael holds a Bachelor in Music education degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and is currently a candidate for a Masters in Music education with a Choral Conducting cognate from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She began her education career in 2016 at Challenger Middle School in Academy District 20, where she taught for three years. She currently teaches middle and high school choir in Boulder Valley School District, and has since 2019. Miss Carmichael's choirs are appreciated for their commitment and execution of excellent music, their teammates, and the joy we share in the classroom. One of her choirs was asked to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Association conference in 2019, where they shared their passion for music with others. Miss Carmichael has a strong passion for middle school choral music and middle school students. She is proud of her students everyday, and she loves being able to work with wonderful board members, teachers, and students who share her passion for music. 
Secretary
Allison Zema Lyons Middle Senior High School zema_allison@svvsd.org Allison Zema is the current Director of Choirs at Lyons Middle Senior High School, where she teaches grades six through twelve. Hailing originally from sunny southern California, she received her Master of Arts Degree with concentrations in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder in May of 2018. Zema's personal accomplishments include national and international choral tours as a singer and conductor to South Africa, the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Slovakia, where her women's choir received first place in their category at the Bratislava international Youth Music Festival in 2014. In addition to her musical passions, she enjoys swing dancing, photography, and her beautiful cat, Mr. Bingley. 
Chair Emeritus
Nathan Wubbena nathan@ascentvocals.org Nathan Wubbena is currently the Co-Artistic Director of the Boulder Children’s Chorale, as well as the President of Ascent Vocals, a non-profit dedicated to supporting music education in our state. He received his Master of Music Education with a Conducting Specialization from Colorado State University in 2018 and his Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011. Nathan has taught students from elementary to high school, both on the Front Range and Western Slope, and has served as a guest clinician across the state of Colorado. He is a former Co-Chair and was a founding board member of CMASC. 
Audition Specialist
Zachariah Smith Rocky Heights Middle School zsmith@dcsdk12.org Zachariah is the choir teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School in Highlands Ranch. He graduated with highest honors from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2021 with a B.M.E. in Choral Music Education. He currently sings tenor in the Denver-based choir Kantorei and enjoys running along the many Colorado mountain trails. |
District 1 Governor
Rachael Parker Mrachek Middle School rrparker@aurorak12.org Rachael Parker holds a Bachelor of Music education degree from Willamette University in Salem, OR, and a Master of Music Education from the University of Colorado-Boulder. After graduating with her Master's in 2013, she was hired at Mrachek Middle School in Aurora, CO. She is still the vocal music teacher at Mrachek and just began her 9th year teaching middle school choir. Mrs. Parker's choirs are known for having very diverse populations, and for spreading the joy of choral music to all students. The Mrachek choir program performs regularly in school concerts and APS district festivals, in addition to performing at CHSAA and Music in the Parks each year. Mrs. Parker loves teaching middle schoolers of all different backgrounds and ability levels. She finds sharing her love of music with students very rewarding and is excited to continue building a culture of excellence at her school and with Colorado Middle School All State Choir! 
District 2 Governor
Dr. Ann Harding Shaw Heights Middle School aharding@mywps.org Dr. Harding is currently the choir and theatre director at Shaw Heights Middle School in Westminster, Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2007 and her master’s degree in conducting from Colorado State University. While working at a developmental research school in Gainseville, Florida, Dr. Harding earned her doctoral degree from the University of Florida where she focused on equity and social justice in education. Her dissertation looked at her own experiences of being an openly LGBTQ educator along with the importance of LGBTQ teacher visibility for all students. In the classroom, Dr. Harding focuses on creating a safe space for all students while giving them the tools they need to pursue their passions. Dr. Harding lives in Boulder, CO with her wife and daughter. 
District 3 Governor
Jamie Sinner Platte Valley Middle and High School jsinner@pvre7.org Jamie Sinner is the choir director and piano teacher at Platte Valley Middle School and High School in Kersey, Colorado. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011 and has enjoyed directing elementary, middle school, high school, and church choirs throughout her career. She lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and son. 
District 5 Governor
Jake Brumley Challenger Middle School jake.brumley@asd20.org Jake Brumley is the choir teacher and director at Challenger Middle School in Colorado Springs. He has taught in Colorado Springs public schools since 2016. Mr. Brumley began his education receiving his Bachelor of Music Education at the University of Northern Colorado and is currently working towards his Masters of Choral Conducting degree at Messiah University. He has sung with many groups in the Colorado Springs area, including The Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, and received a Best of The Springs Award for Best Actor for his performance in Into The Woods with Village Arts of Colorado Springs. Jake is proud of all his student’s hard work and dedication and believes everyone can sing. 
District 6 Governor
Katie Oglesby Salida Middle School koglesby@salidaschools.org Katie Oglesby started teaching band and choir in 2019 at Salida Middle School. She graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins in May 2019 with a degree in Music Education and a minor in Spanish. During her time at CSU she was very involved with the CSU Marching Band and the Middle School Outreach Ensembles, serving in teaching and leadership roles. Now in Salida, Katie Oglesby has enjoyed being involved in the 2020 San Luis Valley Music Educators Association's Middle School Honor Band and looks forward to future projects with her colleagues throughout the great state of Colorado. When Ms. Oglesby isn't teaching or practicing music, she enjoys swimming in the hot springs and hiking with her friends and family! 
District 7 Governor
Scott Betts Redlands Middle School (Retired) s.betts@bresnan.net Scott earned his Bachelors in Music Education with an instrumental emphasis in 1977 and a Masters in Music Education in 1984 at UNC. He then moved to the Grand Valley, where he taught at local middle and high schools for 30 years. In 2003, his seventh grade choir was chosen to perform at CMEA. In the spring of 2014 he retired from teaching orchestra and choir at Redlands Middle School. Scott performs as a trumpeter with numerous groups in the area, and sings and plays the guitar with his jazz quartet, Hot Tub Jazz. For 17 years, Scott sang tenor with the madrigal group, the Revelers. He has been conducting with High Desert Opera since the summer of 2008. Besides music, Scott’s hobbies include exercise and dancing the Argentine Tango with his wife Alice. |
District 1 Governor
Carly Newman Newton Middle School cnewman@lps.k12.co.us Carly Newman has been teaching at Newton Middle School since the fall of 2019. She holds a Master of Music in Music Education from the the University of Colorado Boulder and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from San Diego State University. Ms. Newman loves working with middle school changing voices and helping to create lifelong lovers of music. 
District 2 Governor
Julia Wirth Clear Creek Middle School julia.wirth@ccsdre1.org Julia Wirth is currently the Director of Choirs at Clear Creek Middle School and High School in Evergreen, CO. She received her Masters in Education with an emphasis in curriculum from the University of Northern Colorado and her Bachelors in Music Education with a choral emphasis from the University of Colorado Boulder. As a teacher she values relationship building, collaboration, and high level music making. When she isn’t in the classroom, she is performing around the metro area and has recently been the featured soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, Arnesen’s Magnificat, and Forrest’s Requiem. Ms. Wirth loves spending time in the mountains and hiking with her dogs. 
District 3 Governor
Monica Pendergast Lesher Middle School mpendergast@psdschools.org Monica Pendergast is the Vocal Music Director at Lesher Middle School in Fort Collins, CO. Prior to teaching at Lesher, she taught middle and high school choir, guitar, and music theory in Greeley and taught in Central Florida for five years. Monica also spent three years in Utah, where she was the Assistant Director of the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir and worked at Weber State University, where she organized arts integration professional development for elementary teachers. Monica received her Bachelors in Music Education (2010) and Masters in Music Education (2014) from Florida State University. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband, Seth, and two children. 
District 4 Governor
Karen Lange Morton Elementary School karen.lange@pueblocityschools.us Karen Lange is the music specialist at Morton Elementary School. She received her B.A. in Music Education from Adams State College in 2003 and her M.M. in Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado in 2012. While at the University of Northern Colorado she worked with esteemed groups such as the Men’s Glee Club and the Chamber Choir. Karen has been teaching in public schools since 2004, including Pueblo Central High School, Corwin Middle School, Sierra Vista Elementary School, and Pueblo Academy of Arts. She also served as Assistant Creative Director of the Pueblo Choral Society for 5 years and has been performing with the Colorado Springs Chorale since 2016. 
District 5 Governor
Vicky Chiles Sabin Middle School vicky.chiles@d11.org Vicky Chiles is presently the Director of Choirs and Music Department Head at Sabin Middle School in Colorado Springs School District 11. She has 33 years experience in teaching kindergarten through high school age students in chamber choir, show choir, acappella ensemble, musical theatre, marching band, concert band, jazz band, flag corps, cheer leading, guitar, and general music. She directs the BARK squad student government activities at Sabin, is an active supporter and participating director of the D-11 honor choir program, performs as a praise and worship leader in Colorado Springs and teaches private lessons. Additionally, Vicky has served as guest Honor Choir clinician several times for various Colorado school districts. Her mission has always been to give her students a sense of belonging and a place to thrive through music. Vicky holds two Bachelor degrees - in vocal music and instrumental music - from Missouri Western State University and a Masters of Education (principalship) from Regis University. 
District 8 Governor
Shanti Mae Gruber Glenwood Springs Middle School sgruber@rfschools.com Shanti Mae Gruber is a Colorado native and the current Choir Director at Glenwood Springs High School and Glenwood Springs Middle School. Shanti received her B.A. in Music Education K-12, with an emphasis in Voice and Piano, at the University of Northern Colorado. She has held a private piano, voice, and guitar studio since 2001. Since 2008, Shanti has been a music director and teacher in the Roaring Fork School District & the Roaring Fork Valley including: Concert Band, Jazz Band, Music Theory, Guitar, Choir, Aspen Music Festival’s Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Choir, JAS Aspen Snowmass Pays to Play, Music Director for productions with GSHS Theatre Productions, Theatre Aspen, JGP Productions, and the Glenwood Springs Vaudeville Theatre. Other duties include Re-1 District Lead Music Teacher, and CMEA District 8 Vocal Representative. |
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