Meet Your Troy Fine Arts Staff!
Matt Tignanelli - Elementary Instrumental Music
My name is Matt Tignanelli and I have been teaching 5th grade band in Troy since 2005. Before I became a teacher I attended Central Michigan University where I studied Music Education and played in lots bands. I also earned a masters degree from Oakland University. I live in Troy with my wife, Monica and our daughters Evelyn and Emma. I enjoy spending time with my family, grilling in my backyard, and doing home improvement projects around the house. Please visit my website to learn more about the 5th grade band program. http://tignanelli.weebly.com/
Janet Sharp Schoon - Elementary Instrumental Music
My name is Janet Schoon, and I teach fifth grade band. I have taught in every elementary school in the Troy School District, usually traveling to four or five different buildings each day. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and my first music teaching positions were in Ohio. My family moved to Troy when my husband, a bassoonist, joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I earned Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio, and my Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. My first year teaching in Troy was 1999. Our son Ken and daughter Julianna attended Troy schools and graduated from Athens High School. I enjoy playing woodwinds for various professional performances including bassoon in the Dearborn Symphony, singing in my church choir, and attending a wide variety of fine arts activities.
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Scott Crecelius - Band Teacher, Larson Middle School
My name is Scott Crecelius and I teach band at Larson Middle School. My wife Mary and I live in Troy and our 3 children; Amy, Tim, and Amanda went through Troy schools and graduated from Troy High School where they thoroughly enjoyed a variety of fine arts classes. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Asbury University and a Masters Degree from Wayne State University in Music Education. I have taught fifth through eighth grade band since 1983, starting in Troy in 1990 and proud to be currently the Director of Bands at Larson Middle School. A highlight of my week is singing and leading the worship band at Bridge Community Church, Troy. I play trumpet each week in the Oakland Community College Symphony Band as principal trumpet since 2000 and enjoy sharing my practice/performance experiences with my students. I enjoy coaching cross country, running, home/cottage improvement projects and spending time with my wife and our adult children.
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Renee Fiddler - Elementary Instrumental Music
Spiros Xydas - Baker Middle School Instrumental Music
Joseph Havrilla - Boulan Park Middle School Band
Claire Murphy - Larson Middle School Orchestra
Raymond Torres - Smith Middle School Band
Alan Mac Nair - Orchestra Teacher, Troy High School
Brian Nutting - Band Director, Troy High School
Edward L. Paciorek - Troy High Art Teacher
Edward L. Paciorek has
been teaching in the Troy School District since 1989, starting off at Boulan
Park Middle School and then transferring to Troy High School in 1995. He has his BFA in Advertising Design and
Illustration from The Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. In eighth grade his counselor had him take a
national creativity test, where he scored a 99.9999% - the highest grade given
(or so he was told at the time, which would literally translate to one in a
million). He has extensive theatre
experience, having created a number of singing groups and drama groups and
having managed the largest auditorium in Macomb County, R.H. Schaublin
Auditorium (1,600 seats), Lakeview High School, St. Clair Shores, for twenty
years. His hobbies include: theatre
direction, set design, set construction, theatre make-up, special effects,
sound design, lighting, acting, singing, piano repair, guitar construction, home
improvement, novel writing (a set of five novels written in five months),
writing a musical, writing music, sewing costumes, illustration, cartooning and
a few dozen other creative things. He
has retired from theatre but spends his spare time slowly constructing a full
size working copy of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car that he someday hopes to
use to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, giving rides and driving
people to their weddings. He hopes to
retire from teaching someday and become a pastor.
http://ths.troy.k12.mi.us/staff/epaciorek/
http://ths.troy.k12.mi.us/staff/epaciorek/
Luba Sordyl - athens High school art teacher
I have been
an art lover as far back as I can remember.
As a child I went to the Detroit Institute of Arts with my mother every
Saturday in the winter months and I was always drawing and painting at home. In
high school I spent many hours in art classes and I knew I had to pursue and
art career after having a solo art show at the Royal Oak Library my senior
year. After graduating from Wayne State
in 2003, I have being teaching art to students ranging from kindergarten
classes to high school students. I
currently teach the fundamentals of art, painting, and photography classes at Athens High School.
Please visit my website at http://sordylathenshighschool.weebly.com/ to learn more about my classes.
Katie Hosbach- ELEMENTARY ART TEACHER
My name is Katie Hosbach, and this will be my twelfth year in the Troy School District. I have experience teaching in all levels K-12 and have enjoyed it all!
I received my bachelor of science in Art Education from Wayne State University in May of 2004. I also received my Masters degree in Art Education/Art Therapy in the Spring of 2009. I currently reside in Royal Oak with my husband Mike who is also a teacher in Troy at Baker Middle School. In my free time, I enjoy painting and assemblage artwork, yoga, cooking, and taking walks with my Old English sheepdog, Oliver.
I enjoy working with children and I have a passion for the arts. I have always felt very strongly that the arts are a crucial and indispensable part of education today. Research proves that the arts help students build thinking skills, increase problem solving skills, and they expose students to diverse ways of developing ideas and perceiving their environment. These skills are essential for lifelong learning. In addition, the arts help students to build self-discipline, perseverance, and a good work ethic. As well as being valuable in their own right, the arts help students build solid connections with other academic areas and integrate learning across the curriculum. To learn more about what is going on in my classroom please visit http://hillartpage.weebly.com.
I received my bachelor of science in Art Education from Wayne State University in May of 2004. I also received my Masters degree in Art Education/Art Therapy in the Spring of 2009. I currently reside in Royal Oak with my husband Mike who is also a teacher in Troy at Baker Middle School. In my free time, I enjoy painting and assemblage artwork, yoga, cooking, and taking walks with my Old English sheepdog, Oliver.
I enjoy working with children and I have a passion for the arts. I have always felt very strongly that the arts are a crucial and indispensable part of education today. Research proves that the arts help students build thinking skills, increase problem solving skills, and they expose students to diverse ways of developing ideas and perceiving their environment. These skills are essential for lifelong learning. In addition, the arts help students to build self-discipline, perseverance, and a good work ethic. As well as being valuable in their own right, the arts help students build solid connections with other academic areas and integrate learning across the curriculum. To learn more about what is going on in my classroom please visit http://hillartpage.weebly.com.
Sarah Clos - ELEMENTARY art TEACHER
My name is Mrs. Sarah Clos and I am an elementary art teacher. I started teaching in 2003 and feel very fortunate to be working in such a prestigious district and teaching such wonderful artists. My husband Bill and I live in Troy with, our daughter Maria and twin boys, William and David. I attended Michigan State University, and graduated in 2002 with a Major in Art Education. I received my Masters degree in 2006 from Michigan State University in Curriculum and Teaching. In my spare time I enjoy painting, skiing, and watching Spartan sports! To learn more about me and what is going on in my classroom, please visit my Weebly Page at: http://wassartpage.weebly.com
Tanya myre - elementary art teacherMy name is Tanya Myre and I am an elementary art teacher. I started teaching in 2000 but just recently started with Troy Schools in 2014. I am super excited to working in such an all-around wonderful school district! I moved to Troy over 4 years ago because of the outstanding schools, so I am very proud to be part of this system! I am married to my husband Jayson and we have 2 beautiful daughters, Makenzy and Lyric. I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2000 with a Major in Art Education. I am continuing my education at Wayne State University to earn an endorsement in Biological Sciences. When I'm not teaching I enjoy gardening, camping, spending time with my family and doing anything related to ART! To learn more about me and what happens in my classroom, please visit my Weebly page at: www.myresart.weebly.com
Caitlin wettlaufer - elementary art teacherMy name is Caitlin Wettlaufer, and I have been teaching in the Troy School District since 2012. I attended Central Michigan University and am proud to be a Chippewa! I am currently working towards my masters in Art Education at Wayne State University. I student taught in Troy while in college and fell in love with the district. I feel honored to be a part of such an innovative, prestigious district.
I have a strong passion for the arts! In my free time I love drawing, painting, and hand building with clay. I also love to read, shop, and enjoy the great outdoors. I don't just LOVE art I thoroughly enjoy working with children. I believe that art is a vital part of the curriculum, and offers students a chance to strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as gain cultural and historical understanding. My art classroom is an important place where a diverse group of learners can come together to think, discuss, and create. These skills are essential to life long learning! To learn more about what happens in my classroom please visit www.wettlauferart.weebly.com |
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Amy Mee - Elementary Art Teacher
Lauren Hilliker- Elementary Art Teacher
My name is Ms. Hilliker and I am an elementary art teacher. I am so excited to be teaching in the Troy School District. I have been teaching in Troy since 2013. I am a graduate of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan where I received a double major in Art Education and Illustration. I have had experience teaching art in the elementary and high school levels. I have had training in painting, drawing, ceramic, metals and graphic design. Along with teaching I work as a freelance illustrator. Prior to the start of my teaching career, I worked as a graphic illustrator in the arts and crafts industry where developed product lines for retailers, such as, Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabrics. When I am not art making, I enjoy playing the ukulele, bike riding, camping and baking cupcakes!
I feel art plays a crucial role in the growth of young minds. Art gives students the opportunity to explore, create, and express themselves visually. My hope this year is that each and every student grows as an artist and feels confident and proud of the artwork they have created. Students will feel welcomed, safe and a team player within my classroom. To learn more about me or my classroom please visit http://troyunionelementaryart.weebly.com.
I feel art plays a crucial role in the growth of young minds. Art gives students the opportunity to explore, create, and express themselves visually. My hope this year is that each and every student grows as an artist and feels confident and proud of the artwork they have created. Students will feel welcomed, safe and a team player within my classroom. To learn more about me or my classroom please visit http://troyunionelementaryart.weebly.com.
Camille Lamesch - elementary Art teacher
Andrea Hinman - elementary art teacher
Veronica Krozek - Art Teacher, Larson Middle School
Linda Gealy - Art Teacher, Baker Middle School
Mary Typinski - Art Teacher, Smith Middle School
Heather Kelly - Art Teacher, Troy High School
Libby Fitz-Gerald - Elementary Vocal Music
My name is Libby Fitz-Gerald and I teach Elementary Vocal Music. I graduated from Hope College in the spring of 2013 with a bachelors degree in Music Education. That same fall, I was hired by The Troy School District and have worked here ever since. My main instrument is my voice but I also enjoy playing the piano and the ukulele. Outside of school, I coach Girls on the Run, lead a worship team at my church, and participate in several professional organizations. I enjoy reading, baking, and jamming on my ukuleles. To learn more about me and what is going on in my classroom, please visit my Weebly Page at: www.missfitzgeraldmusic.weebly.com
Andrea Moon - elementary vocal Music
I received my Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Temple University in Philadelphia (my home town). I received a Masters in Music (Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy) from Oakland University.
In addition to teaching music, I am a composer. My piano pieces are published by the FJH Music Co., and I self-publish at songsforteaching.com. My music is heard on the Nintendo 3DS game “Ohno Odyssey”.
My husband Brian is a trumpet player and teacher. We have two children; Shayna and Miles.
More than anything, I want to share my love of music with students and help them discover all of their unique creative.
Check out my personal website: www.andreamoonmusic.com
Cara Lebryk - Elementary Vocal Music
I have been teaching elementary vocal music in the district since 2010. I received my undergrad degree in Music Education from Oakland University and have also taken some Graduate classes from MSU. I love learning new lesson ideas and collaborating with other teachers. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy cooking, learning new songs on the piano, and playing with my cat, Alex. I believe all students are capable of learning music by listening, creating/composing, and performing.
Weebly Site: www.misslebryksmusicroom.weebly.com
Weebly Site: www.misslebryksmusicroom.weebly.com
Teresa Kniseley - Elementary Vocal Music
Teresa Kniseley has been teaching vocal music in Troy School District since 8-20-1996. Wass Elementary has been her home school the entire time.
She has a Bachelors Degree in Music from Wayne State University. Since then she has had Orff certification at Madonna University. She has also taken graduate classes at Oakland University in technology, music methods, African drumming, and music mapping. She attends the Arts First seminar every fall at Oakland Schools.
She has been happily married to Carl Kniseley since 2001. She has four children, Bob, Kate, Bill, and Natalie. She has seven grandchildren, James, Dominic, Sabastien, Zandar, Griffin, Leah, and Riley. She has a German short-haired pointer named Ben who is very loved and spoiled.
She and her husband attend Christian Life Church in Macomb where they serve in the worship and children’s ministeries. She and her husband attended two years of bible college.
Her interests are reading especially the Bible, hiking, biking, kayaking, cooking, and crafts. She and her husband especially like traveling to Tennessee to visit relatives there. She absolutely loves children and teaching music.
She has a Bachelors Degree in Music from Wayne State University. Since then she has had Orff certification at Madonna University. She has also taken graduate classes at Oakland University in technology, music methods, African drumming, and music mapping. She attends the Arts First seminar every fall at Oakland Schools.
She has been happily married to Carl Kniseley since 2001. She has four children, Bob, Kate, Bill, and Natalie. She has seven grandchildren, James, Dominic, Sabastien, Zandar, Griffin, Leah, and Riley. She has a German short-haired pointer named Ben who is very loved and spoiled.
She and her husband attend Christian Life Church in Macomb where they serve in the worship and children’s ministeries. She and her husband attended two years of bible college.
Her interests are reading especially the Bible, hiking, biking, kayaking, cooking, and crafts. She and her husband especially like traveling to Tennessee to visit relatives there. She absolutely loves children and teaching music.
Letitia Geary - Elementary Vocal Music
I moved to Michigan and began working for the Troy School District in 2014. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois in 2004. Before moving to Michigan, I spent time teaching in Iowa and North Carolina. I have experience teaching both instrumental and vocal music at the elementary and secondary levels. I love encouraging my students to express themselves through music! In my free time I enjoy playing trombone, singing, reading, and spending time with my family.
rosanne Thomas - Elementary vocal Music
“I love to sing” is her motto. She currently serves as the chairperson of the Elementary Vocal Music Department in Troy. Mrs. Thomas began singing while in elementary school, leading her congregation in singing. Besides her teaching in Troy, she serves as a music minister, and vocal soloist. Mrs. Thomas did her undergraduate work at Madonna University, and has a Master’s from Oakland University. She is married and has two grown sons, and besides singing, loves spending time outdoors, gardening, bicycling and hiking.
Johnathan McNurlen - Elementary Vocal Music
I began teaching in the Troy School District in the Fall of 2014. I received a Bachelors of Music in Viola performance in 2012 and Music Education in 2014 from Michigan State University. While there, I received the following awards: Michigan State University Music Scholarship, Romeo Tata Graduate Fellowship, Virginia Mills and Douglas F Jewell Endowed Dean’s Scholarship, Camille McKinley Endowment for the MSU Orchestras at Michigan State. My favorite things to do are play music with my wife and hang out with our pets. I have been a contracted member of The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra since 2012. I have also held positions with the Lansing and West Michigan Symphony Orchestras. I teach Elementary Vocal Music and Violin. http://mrmcnurlen.weebly.com/
Emily Pyzik-elementary vocal music
I proudly hold a BA and MA in K-12 Music Education
from Michigan State University. I have
taught music in the Troy School District since 2002, directing over 100
performances and teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels. I believe
all children can learn music! I have been very fortunate to have worked with
leading researchers in the field of music education who have studied how
children lean when they learn music and have based my sequential instruction on
this research and best practices.My favorite part of being a teacher is
watching the growth in my students as they discover they were capable of more
than they ever thought possible. Every year, I witness my students reaching new
heights in their thinking, inspiring me as a teacher. At every level my students
are given opportunities to create their own music! I live in Berkley with my
husband, Chris, daughter, Violet and cat Rudy. I enjoy singing, playing piano,
composing, dancing, reading and especially time with my family! For a look
inside my class visit: www.pyzikmusic.weebly.com
or follow me on Twitter @EmilyPyzik
Carrie Peyok - Baker Middle School Choir director, Fine ARts Curriculum Coordinator
Ms. Carrie Sekich has taught vocal music in Troy since 1999. She currently teaches Show Choir at Baker Middle School. Ms. Sekich is also the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Troy School District, overseeing the District’s award winning Art, Band, Orchestra, Theatre and Vocal Arts programs.
Ms. Sekich obtained her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. She also holds a Masters in the Art of Teaching degree from Marygrove College, as well as an Education Specialist Degree in Principalship from Saginaw Valley State University.
Ms. Sekich is originally from the “thumb of Michigan” and loves to spend time with her family and friends. Outside of music, Ms. Sekich also loves traveling, reading, cooking and watching Tigers baseball.
http://bakermiddleschoolchoirs.weebly.com/index.html
Ms. Sekich obtained her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. She also holds a Masters in the Art of Teaching degree from Marygrove College, as well as an Education Specialist Degree in Principalship from Saginaw Valley State University.
Ms. Sekich is originally from the “thumb of Michigan” and loves to spend time with her family and friends. Outside of music, Ms. Sekich also loves traveling, reading, cooking and watching Tigers baseball.
http://bakermiddleschoolchoirs.weebly.com/index.html
Michele Fredericks - Elementary Vocal Music
Corrie Spurlin - Middle School Choral Director
Lea Lalla - Middle School Choral Director
I was very excited to have joined the Troy secondary vocal music team in 2015 as the choir teacher at Larson Middle School! I graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor's degree in K-12 Music Education. Before joining the Troy team permanently, I served in four long-term substitute capacities which gave me the opportunity to teach elementary, middle and high school vocal music. My long-term sub positions allowed me to teach in six buildings in the Troy district, as well as at the International Academy of Macomb. I love helping my students become not just singers, but MUSICIANS! Apart from teaching and singing music, I enjoy traveling, bike riding, hiking, reading, concert-going and eating.
Adrienne Covian - High School Choral Director
My name is Mrs. Adrienne Covian. I have been a teacher with the Troy School District for 16 years, 12 of them at Troy High as the Choir Director and Vocal Director for the musicals. This is my first year at Baker and I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with these amazing 8th grade students.
I have spent virtually my entire life surrounded by the performing arts. I learned my love of vocal music at a young age while sitting beside my grandmother at the piano while she played and I sang along. I participated in my middle school and high school choir programs as well as the theatre programs all of which solidly cemented my love of performing arts.
I received my Bachelor's degree in Vocal Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master's in Education from Madonna. I enjoy sharing my love of music with my students every day and hope that they, like me, gain wonderful lifelong memories of their time here as a Troy Schools Choir member.
I have spent virtually my entire life surrounded by the performing arts. I learned my love of vocal music at a young age while sitting beside my grandmother at the piano while she played and I sang along. I participated in my middle school and high school choir programs as well as the theatre programs all of which solidly cemented my love of performing arts.
I received my Bachelor's degree in Vocal Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master's in Education from Madonna. I enjoy sharing my love of music with my students every day and hope that they, like me, gain wonderful lifelong memories of their time here as a Troy Schools Choir member.