Linda Vanderpool, Director of Vocal Music at Valley High School since 2002,  conducts the Valley Singers, A Cappella Choir, Vocalese and Vocal Point jazz choirs as well as leading in the administration of the vocal music department.  Miss Vanderpool holds a Master of Music Education degree with Choral Emphasis from Drake University and a Bachelor of Music Education Cum Laude from Simpson College as a Voice Major and a Minor in Piano.

Dina Else has been the Assistant Director of Vocal Music at Valley High School since the fall of 2008. She received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and has completed all of her doctoral course work at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy.

She has had 13 years of high school choral classroom experience and 10 years of collegiate level experience as a visiting professor in the areas of voice and music education.  She has taught at Ithaca College, Wartburg College, the University of North Iowa, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and most recently at Drake University.

She stays very busy through-out the mid-west serving as an adjudicator and choral clinician.  She has been a published columnist and has conducted several guest festivals including the Iowa All-State Opus Honor Choir and the Minnesota Anacrusis Women’s All-State Honor Choir this past November.

As a mezzo-soprano, she has performed may opera and oratorio roles as well as several recent recital and guest soloist appearances.  Among her many roles, she has performed Carmen in Bizet’s Carmen, Prince Orlofsky in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, and multiple performances of Handel’s Messiah.

Dina has been consistently listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers every year since 1996, has been awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Commanders Award for Volunteerism and was the first recipient of the “My Favorite Teacher” Eyewitness News Award in Des Moines in 2002.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Valley High School Vocal Music department offers a wide range of experiences for students interested in vocal music. Curricular ensembles include Concert Choir, Select Treble Clef Choir, A Cappella Choir and Valley Singers. Each ensemble presents three to four concerts a year. The choirs also attend state and regional festivals and contests. Students are also given the opportunity to audition for Choralation (Varsity Show Choir), Vocalese and Vocalpoint (Jazz Choirs).

Choralation Show Choir is a select mixed competitive show choir for grades 9 – 12 who have completed a successful audition. This ensemble meets 2-3 times each week as scheduled by the Director. It is designed to challenge students to sing while performing with choreography. Show Choir members are assessed a participation fee which covers camps, competitions and costumes. Members will be required to attend camps outside the school day to learn the components of show production.

Vocal Point Jazz Choir is a select vocal jazz ensemble for 10-12 grade singers who successfully completed an audition process. This ensemble meets 2-3 times per week as scheduled by the director. Jazz Choir members are assessed a participation fee which covers festivals and expenses related to performances.Vocalese Jazz Choir is a select vocal jazz ensemble for 10-12 grade singers who successfully completed an audition process. This ensemble meets 2-3 times per week. The members are assessed a participation fee which covers festivals and expenses related to performances.

Valley Voices
The Valley Voices Booster Organization exists to support the Vocal Music Department through fundraising and service opportunities. Parents of students enrolled in vocal music ensembles are encouraged to actively participate by attending monthly meetings.

VOCAL MUSIC LINKS

2008-09 Vocal Music Guide

Valley Vocal Music Website and Newsletter