The NAfME Council for Choral Education seeks to serve as a voice representing choral music education and to help choral educators with current practices in the choral field at all levels.
Hear from Council Chair Maria A. Ellis.
Follow the Council on Facebook and Instagram.
Grab-and-Go Tips for Choral Educators
“How to Start an Elementary Choir” by Christina Vehar
Find Council resources in the NAfME Resource Library, searchable by teaching area, level, type of resource, and more.
Maria A. Ellis
Maria A. Ellis is a passionate music educator and conductor. She is the owner of Girl Conductor LLC, which specializes in diverse music education resources and serves as the Artistic…
Council Members
Ocie S. Banks (2024-2026), Eastern Division Representative
Director of Choirs & Vocal Music Teacher
Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative & Performing Arts School
Landover, Maryland
Michaela Babic (2025-2027), North Central Division Representative
K-12 General and Vocal Music
Bridgeport Public Schools
Bridgeport, Nebraska
Kimberly Lorengo (2024-2026), Northwest Division Representative
5-12 Choral Director; 4-12 Orchestra Director
Anaconda Public Schools
Anaconda, Montana
Christina Vehar (2025-2027), Southern Division Representative
Music Specialist, Choral Director, Musical Theatre Director, Mentor Teacher
Cheatham Hill Elementary School - Cobb County School District
Marietta, Georgia
Heather Blackwell (2024-2026), Southwestern Division Representative
Vocal Music Teacher
Holman Middle School
Saint Ann, Missouri
Austin Thorpe (2025-2027), Western Division Representative
Director of Choirs
Maple Mountain High School
Spanish Fork, Utah
Jason Sickel (2025-2026) Member-At-Large Representative
Olathe East & Olathe South High School Assistant Choral Director
Olathe Public Schools
Olathe, Kansas
Jasmine Fripp (2025-2026) Member-At Large Representative
Director of Choral Activities
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
Sammy Salvador (2025-2026) Member-At Large Representative
Choir/General Music Teacher
Dr. Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School
Eastvale, California
