Barbara Elder

Mrs. Elder is currently the band director at Cedar Lane, Olive B. Loss, and Lorewood Grove.  She has been teaching for Appoquinimink for the past 15 years as a general music teacher, and now as an elementary band director.  Mrs. Elder graduated from West Chester University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education In 2013, she received her master's degree in Applied Technology in Education from Wilmington University. Mrs. Elder has extensive experience teaching private and group lessons, as well as general music to Pre-K through 8th grade.  She has adjudicated for ASD’s Honor Band and Delaware All State Auditions.  She was also the Pit Instructor for Concord High School Marching Band and has played in several local musical theatre productions.  In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her husband, 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter. 

Her teaching philosophy can be summed up in this quote… “After 22 years of teaching, I still have the passion and love for music that I have from when I first started my instrument in fourth grade. In my experience, my favorite parts have been seeing students step out of their comfort zones and try something new.  The look on their face after they’ve performed still moves me to tears, to see the pride and accomplishment and knowing their hard work has paid off.  Obviously playing a musical instrument has a multitude of benefits, but here in elementary school is where I get to encourage the passion and love of music. At the end of their time here in elementary school, I want them to look back on their experience in band and have fond memories, so that when they grow up, they encourage their children to participate in learning a musical instrument.  And so, here I am excited to share my enthusiasm and passion with this year’s students.”