Erik Whitehill grew up in Iowa and earned his music education degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.  He has taught general music and choir in Tempe Elementary School District for nearly two decades, also currently serving as district chairperson for general music and elementary choir. Erik has a passion for helping children grow into well-rounded good humans through musical development. His teaching is noted for including newly composed music, both for choirs and for musical theater.  Erik is Orff certified and is a member of the Arizona Orff chapter, where he has served on the board and been a featured presenter. He has also been a presenter for Arizona Music Educators Association.  His compositions are published by Heritage Music Press, Augsburg Fortress, Choristers Guild, Handbell Musicians of America and Falls House Press.  He is also self-published through J. W. Pepper.  Erik was the recipient of the Arizona State University Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award (2012), Tempe Elementary School District “Excellence Begins with Me” Award (2015), and Tempe Elementary Excellence Award (2021).