Orchestra Director

Sylvia really enjoys building connections with her students and watching them build a community with each other. One of her great joys is to watch the students grow as musicians, leaders, and humans throughout their years in music.

Sylvia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Luther College and is currently working toward her Masters in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas. In addition to directing the high school orchestras, she also teaches 5th Grade Band at Sartell Middle School. She can occasionally be found playing with orchestras in the area like St. Cloud Symphony and Amadeus as well.

Her hobbies include hiking, traveling, and crafting. Fun fact: Sylvia’s favorite musical right now is Hadestown.

Choir Director & Spring Musical Accompanist/Pit Conductor

One of the things Brandon enjoys about directing choir is watching the students grow over their time at SHS. He is constantly inspired by the students and looks forward to coming to school every day to co-create with them.

Brandon graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance and earned his Master of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas. He has been a part of the Sartell Music Department for the past thirteen years.

Outside of teaching choir, Brandon enjoys being a dog dad, cycling, volleyball, traveling, reading, and home improvements. He also loves musical theatre - watching it, acting, directing, or accompanying.

Choir Director and Spring Musical Music Director 

Having the opportunity to see students become who they want to be and teaching them about life through music inspires and motivates Joanna’s passion for teaching. She loves teaching music because it offers a way for students to express themselves, to relax, and to be with friends in a community where they feel a sense of belonging.

Joanna graduated from Concordia-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education and earned her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Northern Arizona University. She has taught choir in the district for the past seven years and has also worked on the spring musicals during that time as well. 

Her hobbies include playing video games, being outdoors, camping, thrifting, working out, being with her husband and two beautiful cats, and spending time with her friends and family. She also loves Bigs Ranch Sunflower Seeds and Dove Milk Chocolates. If she had not gone into teaching, she probably would have been a zoologist or a big cat specialist as she has loved cats since she was a child.