Nathanael Smale began teaching in Fall 2018, and he is excited to join to the Indianola High School music team this year.  He directs the Indianola Singers, Apollo Chorus, co-directs Cantare, and he serves as the director for Indianola’s premier show choir, Side One, as well as the director of the annual spring musical.  He formerly taught for one year at Emerson Elementary in Indianola, where he taught K-5 General Music, 5th Grade Chorus, and stage directed the high school musical.  Most recently, Mr. Smale spent six years at Norwalk High School, where he taught 8-12 Vocal Music and directed extracurricular show choirs and musicals.  He earned his Bachelor of Music Education ('18) and Master of Music in Choral Conducting ('21) from Simpson College in Indianola, IA.

Mr. Smale grew up near Cedar Rapids, IA in a musical family.  He was highly involved in musical activities, including private voice, piano, & percussion lessons, community & school theatre, community youth chorus, and more.  His passion for music has afforded him many opportunities to create beauty in the world.  Mr. Smale was honored to conduct both the Iowa Choral Directors Association Southwest District's 7th & 8th Grade Mixed Honor Choir and North Central District’s 7th & 8th Grade Bass Clef Honor Choir in March 2024 and November 2024, respectively.

In his free time, Mr. Smale enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants/cuisines, exploring the rich repertoire of musical theatre, and reading a great novel.  He is also a proud member of the semi-professional community choir, the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble.

Katie is in her twenty-second year of teaching and currently serves as 6-12 Vocal Music Director in Pleasantville, Iowa and Director of "Flip Side" Show Choir at Indianola High School.    She is originally from LaCrosse, WI and holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Prior to moving to the Des Moines metro area in 2013, Katie spent her early years of teaching in St. Charles, MN and Waterloo, IA.  

Katie has a wealth of experience in the world of show choir and music theatre as a performer, director, choreographer, clinician and judge.  Her most recent positions include coaching show choir for Norwalk MS  "Sound Sensation"  (2020-2022), Lincoln High School "Infinity" (2016-2022), Des Moines Southside "Sigma" (2016-2020), Southeast Polk "Ramification" (2015-2016), UNI "Vocal AmmUNItion" (2010-2011) and Waterloo "West High Story" (2006-2010).

When she is not teaching, Katie is spending time with her 3 children and staying busy with all of their activities.  She also enjoys attending theatrical performances, traveling, listening to audio books, and hanging out with her teacup chihuahua, Lola.  

Valorie has been teaching high school vocal music at Indianola for 32 years. She started her teaching career as a K-12 vocal music teacher in the Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock School District.  She currently directs the A Cappella Choir, Bel Canto, co-directs Cantare, and is the assistant director for the HS show choirs.

Raised on a farm in northern Iowa, Valorie graduated from Sheffield-Chapin High School and then attended the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Idaho. She graduated from UNI with her BME degree and has earned graduate credits through Drake University and the University of Iowa. 

Valorie has been an active church musician, directing church Youth Choir and Middle School Choirs for a number of years, and playing piano and organ for services.  She was also the director of the Sunday School and Bible School music for over 12 years. She is an active member of the Iowa Choral Directors association and attended their summer convention for 25 consecutive years. 

She enjoys spending time with her family, biking, traveling, being outdoors, and dining out.  Give her a bike and a trail, and life is good! 

Co-Director of Side Effects & Side Kicks

meredith.moore@indianola.k12.ia.us

Phone: (515) 961-9530 x8342

Meredith is in her 18th year of teaching and her 11th year at Indianola Middle School where she teaches 7th & 8th grade treble choirs and co-directs 6th grade chorus and IMS's two show choirs: Side Kicks and Side Effects. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Drake University and is currently earning her master's.

Prior to teaching at IMS, Meredith taught 5-12 Vocal Music at PCM school district (2012-2015) and PreK-12 Music at Moravia Community Schools (2008-2012). She also had the pleasure of directing many variety shows and musicals throughout her early career.

Meredith lives with her husband, Adam, in Urbandale with their 3 dogs Ellie, Winston, and Truman and tortoise Koopa. She enjoys cooking and making music with the Drake alumni choir, Umeri.

Co-Director of Side Effects & Side Kicks

avery.luepker@indianola.k12.ia.us

Phone: (515) 961-9530 x8334

This is Avery's fourth year teaching and third year here at Indianola Middle School. Throughout the school day he teaches the 7th & 8th grade bass choirs and co-teaches 6th grade chorus with Meredith Moore. He also co-directs IMS's two show choirs: Side Effects and Side Kicks.

He graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 2018 and was inspired by his teacher, Grammy National Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist, Meg Byrne to pursue choral music. In 2022 he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Drake University where he studied under Aimee Beckman-Collier, Eric Barnum and Ann Cravero.

In his free time you can find Avery at an Iowa women's basketball game with his family, winning Fortnite(or crashing out when he gets second), running up his weekly trivia league with friends, seated at the IMAX or traveling to see his favorite artists live.