Camilyn (Cami) Clausen has been the director of choirs at Casteel High School in the Chandler district since its opening in July of 2015. Under her direction, the program grew from two choirs to eight! Her choirs have consistently received Superior with

Distinction at state and national festivals in New York City, Anaheim, Nashville, Hollywood, and around the great state of Arizona. Many of her students make the All-Region and All-State choirs and other honor choirs throughout the state and country. She is honored to have mentored several student teachers and interns as they prepare to become a music educator. Her philosophy is that choir is a safe place where students of different backgrounds can come together to create beautiful music together.

Choir is a place where students learn that, just like in life, leaning on each other’s strengths and valuing differences makes us stronger.

Cami graduated from Dobson High School in Mesa and was privileged to be a student of Bart Evans. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education and from Northern Arizona University with a Master of Education in Counseling-Human Relations. She has taught choir at Gilbert High School and Santan Jr High School before opening Casteel. Mrs Clausen currently serves as the membership chair for AZACDA.

Cami is happily married to her husband, Matt, of 28 years. They have four adult children who are scattered throughout the western US. In her free time, Cami enjoys reading, watching movies, traveling, musical theatre, and spending time with family.

Ted Gibson is the Director of Choirs at Gilbert Classical Academy in Gilbert, Arizona, and at University Presbyterian Church in Tempe. An Arizona native with over 20 years of experience in choral conducting, Ted brings a deep passion for empowering secondary school students through music literacy and ensemble excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Arizona State University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Northern Arizona University.

As Past-President of AzACDA, Ted has been a leader in statewide choral initiatives and is a frequent clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor—especially known for his engaging work with youth choirs. He is particularly passionate about developing confident, literate singers through creative and accessible sight-reading instruction.

Ted believes that every student can succeed in music when given the tools and support to do so. His teaching is grounded in the belief that sight-reading is not just a skill but a gateway to musical independence, expression, and lifelong enjoyment.