In this dynamic and engaging session, participants will discover powerful strategies for revitalizing the sense of community in the choral classroom. Whether you are a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this session is designed to help you foster an environment where students feel connected, valued, and excited to participate.
Step Up Your Game: How to Revitalize the Community in Your Music Classroom
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Jennifer Kercher
Jennifer Kercher is the choir director at Walker Middle School, located in the Salem-Keizer School District. Prior to teaching at Walker, her twenty-three-year career has seen her at Crossler Middle School, Silverton High School, Mark Twain Middle School, and North Salem High School. Kercher serves as the Oregon ACDA Middle School R&R Co-Chair and was the 2023 recipient of the OMEA Outstanding Middle School Music Educator Award. A Silverton native, she completed undergraduate work at Western Oregon University, graduate work at George Fox University, and is now pursuing her administrative license. Kercher shares her love of music and performing with her supportive husband, Jedidiah, and two amazing children, Elijah and Liliana.
Becca Hollen
Becca Hollen has been teaching choir in the Salem Keizer School District for thirteen years and currently teaches at Whiteaker Middle School. She earned her BME from George Fox University in 2009 and then received her MAT in 2010. In 2015 she was presented with Music Educator of the Year by the Oregon Symphony Association, and in 2016 she received a Crystal Apple award from the Salem Keizer Education Foundation. Choirs under her direction have received consecutive championship trophies at multiple festivals. Hollen is passionate about empowering middle school students to be impressive young adults that surprise the adult world with their maturity and professionalism. She is the mother of two lively little boys, and in her free time she loves to spend time with her family doing home improvement projects and picking flowers from her garden.
