Dear AHUMC,
I am so excited to step into my new role as AHUMC Music + Worship Associate Director!
Many of you already know me from directing children's choirs, and I am thrilled to be expanding that work as I transition into this role full-time. In June I will retire from 29 years of teaching music in NEISD most recently as a music specialist at Hidden Forest Elementary, where I was honored as the NEISD 2018 Elementary Teacher of the Year. I am ready for this next chapter of ministry.
I hold Master's degrees in Music Education and Administration and am finishing a DMA from Boston University. I am an Orff-certified educator and have taught pedagogy courses nationally through the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. My work has been published in The Southwestern Musician, TMEC Connections, and General Music Today, and I have had the joy of serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio and Trinity University. I am also a contributing author for Growing in Grace, a faith-based children's music curriculum that holds a special place in my heart as a beautiful blend of my love for music education and my faith.
My love for church music goes all the way back to my roots in Montana, where I grew up singing in children's choirs and church choirs. Those early experiences planted a deep love for congregational music in me that has shaped everything I do. When I am not making music, you will likely find me curled up with a good book, working on a quilt, or planning the next adventure with my husband, Don, who is happily retired. We have been married 30 years, and he is my biggest supporter in this exciting new chapter.
Music has always been my calling, and this community has my whole heart. I cannot wait to continue making beautiful music together!
Sincerely,
Angela Leonhardt
