Barbara-Jo Vanderkraats

Assistant Director of Music:

Born

Allentown, PA

Education

B.S., Music Education, West Chester University
M.M. (Master of Music), Music Education, West Chester University
Graduate studies (46 credits) in vocal performance, music education, computer, and music technology

About Barb

Barb is the mother of two daughters, and grandmother of one grandson and one granddaughter, with whom she loves spending time. She is a strong advocate for children with epilepsy and autism and specifically supports Easter Seals and Autism Delaware.

Barb taught music in the public schools of Delaware and Pennsylvania for 23 years. She retired in 2006, as the choral director at Avon Grove High School where she was awarded the prestigious 2004 Jesse Ball DuPont Educators Award by the Delaware Symphony for innovations in the music curriculum.

She was immediately hired at Red Clay to develop youth choirs.

Besides her work at Red Clay, Barb is passionate about opera and sings in the Chorus of Opera Delaware. She has had supporting roles with the company over the past 7 years. Barb also sings in all the vocal ensembles at Red Clay (Lauda and the Chancel and Outreach Choirs) and often serves as a soloist for these ensembles.

Barb is excited to work with the adults and children of the Red Clay family and welcomes all new families to join us in our wonderful Children’s music ministry.

Interests

Grandchildren, opera performance, knitting, sewing, song composition, Bible study, spiritual studies, oil painting

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