Tia Roper has joined the Darlington Community to direct the Upper School band, as well as wind ensemble, jazz band, and beginning instrumental methods.
In her high school years, Roper studied flute in The Juilliard School's pre-college division. She graduated from college with a B.M. in Music Education from Manhattan School of Music, and later earned her M.M. in Music Performance from Boston University, as well as her D.M.A. in Music Performance from Rutgers University.
Roper has 16 years of experience teaching music at both the secondary and collegiate levels, most recently serving on the faculty at Bloomingdale School of Music in New York. During the summer, she also teaches at Usdan Center for Creative and Performing Arts. She maintains an active performance calendar and will soon be traveling to London to perform with the Chineke! Orchestra, Europe's first majority Black and Minority Ethnic orchestra, on Aug. 29 and 30.
“Tia brings expertise in the instrumental field that will be vital in the support of our instrumental program and for our students,” said Kim Tunnell, fine arts director. “She offers the opportunity for students to come together and make music in a variety of ways and combinations of instruments.”
Roper is excited to share what she has learned from her extensive background in music. Her performance resume includes orchestral, chamber, and solo recitals as well as international performances.
Aside from teaching and performing, Roper has experience as a mentor, lecturer, music consultant, curator, and panelist.
As she joins the Darlington Community, Roper looks forward to the collaborations she will have with her students and the progression and maturity of the music they will perform. She believes in a nurturing and positive environment for her students where she can support their growth by inspiring and uplifting them.
“I think music should uplift you whether it's an energetic jazz riff or glorious opera aria,” said Roper. “It's a great outlet for self-expression. I would hope that my teaching illustrates all of these things and provides joy and a motivation to go above and beyond.”
In her spare time, Roper enjoys travelling, hiking, Zumba, and weekend brunch. As she begins at Darlington in the coming weeks, she is excited to meet the Darlington family.
“I'm looking forward to a great year at Darlington and to meeting each and every one of you,” she said. “Please say 'hi' if you see me in the hallways or stop by the band room to extend a warm hello!”
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Natalie Horah (‘19), who is serving as an intern in the Communication Office this summer.
