Directors
|
Lindsay Clove is the 5th and 6th grade orchestra teacher at Grant, McKinley, and Mulberry Elementary Schools. Lindsay comes from a family of string players and started cello in her school orchestra program in a rural, Idaho college town. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor's degree in music education with a specialty in cello. Her career began in Arizona in 2013 teaching 7th and 8th grade orchestras, which she enjoyed for 6 years. Last year she also taught a guitar class and orchestra classes grades 4th-6th. She's excited to join the enthusiastic, growing Muscatine Orchestra program and is happy to be back in a place where things grow (besides cactus)! Lindsay loves spending time with her husband Bill, hiking, learning new things, traveling, and making music with friends.
Contact Mrs. Clove - lindsay.clove@mcsdonline.org |
|
|
Kayla Priest is the 5th and 6th grade orchestra teacher at Madison, Franklin, and Jefferson Elementary Schools. Kayla is a violinist and violist, and began playing in 6th grade through her school's orchestra program in Traverse City, Michigan. Kayla graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Music Education, and for the past 5 years, has been teaching 4th - 12th grade orchestra in Sioux City, IA. Kayla is very excited to join the Muscatine orchestra team, and looks forward to the upcoming (and hopefully semi-normal) school year! In addition to playing and teaching, she enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water (kayaking, swimming, etc.), cooking, and traveling.
Contact Ms. Priest - kayla.priest@mcsdonline.org |
|
Jessica Straw is the orchestra teacher at Susan Clark Junior High School. She has been teaching orchestra in Muscatine for 14 years. Mrs. Straw graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in Music Education. She loves to play a wide variety of instruments, everything from piano and cello, to accordion! She continues to play cello for weddings and other events, and teaches a small private studio. Mrs. Straw loves to spend time with her husband Josh, daughter Millie, and dog Scout. They love to travel and spend time outdoors.
Contact Mrs. Straw - jessica.straw@mcsdonline.org |
|
|
Jonathan Thoma is the orchestra director at Muscatine High School, where he has been teaching for 10 years. In his time in Muscatine he has helped bring more students into the string program, and has helped the orchestra program earn consistent high marks at Solo Ensemble and Large Group Festivals. He has appeared as a judge and clinician at multiple festivals across eastern Iowa, and is a bassist in the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. Jonathan also runs a private bass studio, of which many of his private students have earned spots in the All-State Orchestra and Band. Jonathan was born and raised in Fort Dodge, IA and was an active member of the school band, choir and orchestra programs. He earned his bachelor of music at Iowa State University in 2012. He lives in Muscatine with his wife, Misha and their two children, Gemma and Elliot. Contact Mr. Thoma - jon.thoma@mcsdonline.org |