10 | Building a Program from the Bottom Up with Abby Helbling

So many music educators face the task of building a music program from the bottom up. It can be hard to know what to do in these situations, especially when most of our fieldwork in undergraduate settings are in well-established settings. 

My guest this week is my good friend Abby Helbling. Abby is a second-year teacher who has been working hard to rebuild the music program in her current position. In our conversation, Abby shares her story and gives great advice for any music teacher who is trying to wear #AllTheHats and rebuild a music program.

Abby Helbling is in her second year of teaching at Hillsdale Local Schools.  She directs four choral ensembles ranging from 5th-12th grade, as well as teaching 5th and 6th grade general music and guitar at the high school level.  Abby has numerous experiences in performing on stage for musicals and choral events.  

During her masters degree, she worked for the Notre Dame Children’s Choir, where she was the assistant director for the Chamber Choir for two years.  She has worked and performed with choirs in Europe, as well.  Outside of school, Abby enjoys exercising, reading, musical theatre, and spending time with family, friends, and her cat, Ivan.

Abby holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Masters of Sacred Music with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from the University of Notre Dame. She resides in Wooster, Ohio.

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