Welcome Shawnda Draeger to our St. Mary's School Staff

Dear St. Mary’s School Parents,

My name is Shawnda Draeger and I’m excited to announce that I have been hired to be your new Music Teacher! I will be teaching Preschool - 8th Grade; including band, choir and directing music at the Friday, 9am school Masses.

I started my formal music instruction at age 7 on piano and age 9 on violin which I continued through college. I taught myself guitar when I was 9. I’ve been singing since I was a toddler and from grade school through high school I sang in various church choirs, vocal ensembles, and musicals.

I earned a B.A. in Music Education from Western Michigan University and an M.A. in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.

While based in Ohio I taught K-8 music at a local Catholic school.  I also toured and recorded for 8+ years with 4 different Catholic worship bands and as a solo artist singing, playing violin, keyboard & guitar. After moving back to Grand Haven I taught private lessons and played violin with the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra.

For the last 18+ years I served as Music & Liturgy Director at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish. For the Music Director portion of my job I directed the Children’s Choir, LifeTeen Band, Mixed Ensembles, Cantors, Christmas & Easter Choir, and Christmas & Easter Orchestra.

I am so blessed to have this new opportunity to teach at such a wonderful Catholic school and parish as St. Mary’s. I am now busy planning for a great 2018-2019 school year! Music classes will be taught on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

I look forward to meeting all of you, especially all of the wonderful students of St. Mary’s School!

Many Blessings,
Shawnda Draeger

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