About Rachel

An inspiring choral conductor, engaging teacher, and charismatic performer, Rachel believes music is a powerful vehicle for expression, connection, and hope. Her professional experience includes work in community choral and performing arts organizations, public and private schools, contemporary and traditional churches, and private voice instruction. She is passionate about helping people find their voice and build community.

Artistic Director of the Children’s Chorus of Maryland & School of Music (CCM) since June 2023, Rachel conducts CCM’s three performing choirs (with students ranging in grade from K-12), oversees its musicianship program and other offerings, and spearheads the artistic direction of the organization. She has led CCM choirs to perform at major state and national events and to engage in multiple artistic collaborations. She has also revitalized post-pandemic CCM’s Tour Choir program.

Since 2010, Rachel has served as a Choral Director with the Children’s Chorus of Carroll County (CCCC), directing the advanced ensemble (primarily grades 10-12), the early intermediate ensemble (grades 4-6), and combined CCCC choirs (grades 1-12). She has led CCCC choirs to win awards at choral festival and adjudications and has co-directed touring ensembles that have performed in both the United States and Europe.

Active as a freelance conductor, educator, and performer, Rachel has worked with youth, collegiate, and adult performing arts students and participants in a variety of organizations, including Lamplight Artists, York County Honors Choirs, the National Christian Choir, the Maryland Academy of Dance, and Carroll Community College Theatre. She has also served in music leadership roles in contemporary and traditional churches and has taught private voice lessons for teens and adults.

A school vocal music teacher from 2005-2020, Rachel was named a finalist for Carroll County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year 2015 and was one of eight recipients (selected from more than 500 nominees) of the Outstanding Teacher Award. During her years in the classroom, she taught music at every grade level and in both public and private school settings. She also served in numerous leadership positions at school and county levels.

Rachel holds a Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, Kodály certification from the American Kodály Institute of Loyola University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from the Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College. She has completed additional graduate study in world folk arts at McDaniel College and regularly travels internationally to further her exploration of cultural arts traditions.

Rachel’s primary instrument is voice, and she plays piano, djembe, and guitar.