My passion for music started at a really early age due to the fact that both of my parents were musicians. I don't remember ever not being aware of music around me whether listening to my mom practice piano in the living room or organ at church or my dad singing or playing an instrument. I started playing the piano at 5 and sang a lot growing up and it just was a part of my life.
There is probably not a lot that people may not know about me as just about everything I do is centered around Darlington. My children go to school here and my husband works here so we don't have many secrets. I have been at Darlington for 14 years but have taught in other schools and value each and every experience that has given me the opportunity to share. Although I am not very active right now due to other distractions, I do enjoy running and have actually trained and participated in triathlons and other races. I even ran/walked a half marathon at Seaside with the likes of Lauren Peal, Kevin Ray and Beth Smith last spring. No, I could not necessarily keep up with them but finished none the less and have my Vera Bradley bag and T-shirt to prove it!
What are some of your favorite activities outside of Darlington?
Outside of Darlington, I enjoy my family especially during our time off. I enjoy sewing for my house and other projects to drive my family crazy ... and recovering furniture when and if I have the time.
One of my favorite things about my job is watching a production or concert come together. I love watching students allowing themselves the freedom to try and give 100% to a program and the joy that it brings everyone involved! It can be painful along the way but WOW, it is great to experience! It's hard to pick a favorite moment but I actually had one of those experiences about a week ago as we were putting the cast and the orchestra together for the first time for our most recent musical, "Once Upon A Mattress." I will have many more moments like this through the spring with all of the many performances and events that are ahead of us.
I really tried to avoid being a musician but just couldn't stay away from the music. I even declared a non-music major my first year in college but something kept pulling me back and after several changes and even adding a degree, I walked away with just what I needed to pursue a career in the arts.
In every situation in performing arts, I believe it's the best way to experience something much bigger than yourself. It's being a part of a team but it's also sharing an event together and growing and becoming a better version of yourself!
