New choir director comes to Sisters

Tara Clarke. photo provided

Sisters schools will welcome a new choir director with the start of the school year.

Tara Clarke was born in Coos Bay into a family of three brothers. Her love of music stemmed from her parents. Music was always part of the Clarke household and Clarke's own experiences in high school choir led her to pursue music as a career.

Clarke received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Oregon and is pursuing a Master's degree in Music Education from there as well.

She directed her own high school choir for a month leading to graduation, as the regular director left early for a European tour. She has also conducted rehearsals of the University of Oregon Concert Choir in the absence of director Katheryn Lehmann-Olsen, a mentor for Clarke.

Clarke maintained a rigorous performance schedule during her college years as a member of multiple vocal ensembles as well as a regular soloist in recital and master class performances.

Clarke was selected for the Sisters teaching job based in large part upon her positive personality and excellent administrative and teacher recommendations, according to music teacher Jody Henderson.

She visited Sisters during the last few days of school after accepting the job.

" I enjoyed meeting the students and staff," said Clarke. "I'm excited to see all the support that this community gives to the arts and their schools."

An open community barbecue potluck is being planned in order to give students, parents and interested community members a chance to welcome Clarke.

The reception will be held at the Village Green Park on Thursday, August 28, at 6 p.m. RSVP by calling Band Director Jody Henderson at 549-9269, 410-9054 or emailing [email protected]