Instrument/Department: Choral, Music FUNdamentals
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2021
Shana Kohler holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Nazareth College and a Master of Music in Music Education from Syracuse University. Kohler is currently a general music teacher at QUEST Elementary School in the Hilton CSD. The 2021-2022 school year marks her 20th year as a music educator. Kohler is responsible for teaching K-6 elementary general music and the direction of the QUEST chorus. Under her direction, the QUEST choristers have had the honor to premiere new music by local composers.
Kohler is an Outstanding Young Choral Director, recipient from the NY Chapter of American Choral Directors Association. Kohler was appointed as the Elementary Classroom Committee Winter Conference Chairperson for New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), where she continues to promote the importance and value of classroom music in music programs and schools. She strives to provide quality professional development for current and future music educators to improve the quality, scope and effectiveness of classroom music instruction. Kohler also serves as a cooperating teacher for undergraduate and graduate music students pursuing degrees in Music Education at Eastman School of Music.
Kohler worked alongside Dr. Barbara Tagg as the director of the Young Men’s Ensemble for the Syracuse Children’s Chorus. She has also been a guest conductor and a clinician for various groups within and outside of Monroe County. Kohler was selected as a conducting fellow for the Chorus America Orchestral Choral Conducting Masterclass where she was able to learn under the direction of Stephen Cleobury and Ann Howard Jones, while conducting a full chamber orchestra and the Anima and Chicago Children’s Choir.
More about Shana Kohler
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
What inspires me: The ideas and answers that result from the question, “What if?”
Why the arts matter: The arts are important because it is an emotional response to the climate of humanity during a given period of time. The arts will always be personally interpreted by those who create it and those who observe it. Yes, they will share a commonality, but the emotions evoked are individualized to both performers and audience.
Favorite things to do in the Rochester area: Attend concerts, enjoy relaxing days by the water in the summer, or ski in the winter.
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: Traveling or relaxing with friends and family.
My favorite local restaurant: The King and I
Favorite place(s) to travel: Walt Disney World
Favorite movie: My Blue Heaven
What people would be surprised to know about me: I have visited all seven continents!