News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The Sisters School District has brought on two new music instructors for the 2014-2015 school year.
Tyler Cranor comes on board as the Director of Instrumental Music at Sisters Middle School, and co-director of the district pep band. For the past two years he has served as an instructor of music at Central Oregon Community College, as well as a freelance instructor, presenter and performer around the Pacific Northwest. He is a member of the 204th Army Reserve Band out of Vancouver, Washington, as well as an active performer in a multitude of diverse ensembles around Central Oregon. Cranor received his master's degree in instrumental music education from the University of Oregon, where he also worked as the graduate instructor for the athletic band department.
Julie Cash officially joins the Sisters School District as a music instructional assistant after many years of volunteer service. She will be continuing her role as the accompanist for the middle and high school choirs, as well as instructing the contemporary instrumental music course at Sisters High School. She will serve as co-director of the district pep band. Cash received her bachelor of arts degree in music education from Lewis & Clark College in Portland. Prior to moving to Sisters in 1999, she taught music at Jackson Middle School in Portland. In addition to performing on occasion, she is currently active in her church's music ministry and directs a children's choir there.
Rick Johnson returns for his fifth year of directing the Sisters High School and Middle School choral programs, the high school Americana Project, and high school musical theater.
Prior to teaching in Sisters, Johnson spent nine years building the choral and Americana Project programs in Crook County schools.
Johnson received his bachelor of music degree in musical theater and his master of music in vocal performance from Oklahoma City University.
He then earned his teaching credentials through the music education program at Oregon State University.
Prior to moving to Central Oregon, Johnson's experience included extensive professional musical theater singing, acting, dancing, and directing.
Rick has also performed in rock bands and praise bands utilizing his nine years of guitar training.
These three instructors, who make up the district music department, are excited to work together toward the implementation of the vision of the administration. Goals for the department include increased student participation in the instrumental music program, continued growth in vocal music, further collaboration between disciplines, and more community involvement. These tenets will pave the way toward a unique and innovative contemporary music program that fits the specific needs of students in Sisters Country.
The music department is also looking for volunteer musicians in the community to participate in the pep band for high school football games. Those interested may call Tyler Cranor at 541-543-5383, or Julie Cash at 541-549-4045 (ext.1025). An exact rehearsal schedule has yet to be determined, but members would most likely meet on game days at 5:30 p.m.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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