This year, Brittany Shankle joined Amador Valley’s Music Department as the school’s new choir and orchestra director.
“I hope that [my students] continue appreciating music and being lifelong musicians in some capacity [in their future],” said Shankle.
The Beginning
Shankle knew that she loved music from a young age. Following this interest, she became a music teacher at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek.
“I found that every year of school, I kind of ended up wanting to be a teacher in a different way…I realized that my favorite subject was always music from fourth grade on. So I thought, why not put those two things together and become a music teacher,” said Shankle.
In the past, Shankle taught a variety of classes, from AP Music Theory to Jazz Band.
“Sometimes [in choir] we do movie music like Wicked…[other times] we’re doing classical choir rep, classical choral rep, or folk songs from around the world… In an orchestra class, we have violins, cellos, and basses, and occasionally we have some fun instruments like a piano or a harp,” said Shankle.
Her passion for music manifests in her personal life, where she plays multiple instruments. Shankle also previously took part in a symphony orchestra group outside of school.
“Outside of school, I do play violin and trombone. I’m sometimes in the Diablo Symphony Orchestra,” said Shankle.
Looking forward
Joining Amador Valley’s staff is a new opportunity for Shankle. Amador’s population is almost double that of her previous school, and she looks forward to working with the larger programs.
“[I am] definitely looking forward to our first full collaboration concert with orchestra and choir on Oct. 16 here in the Art Theater,” said Shankle.
As a new member of the Amador team, Shankle wants to maintain the school’s traditions while adding her own flair. For example, she hopes to create different choir classes for each grade and to collaborate more with the band.
“I just want to add on to what’s already being done here and hopefully just enrich all the students’ experiences,” said Shankle.
Shankle also hopes to teach students more than just music skills as part of her orchestra and choir classes.
“I hope that students always take away a love for music and an appreciation for music on a deeper level than maybe their classmates or colleagues in the real world,” said Shankle
