Ken Garrison has taught band in Manchester since February of 1999. He taught at eight different elementary schools over the course of the first 19.5 years and then moved to Bennet in 2018. He really enjoys the process of rehearsing the large ensembles in preparation for the concerts. He also really enjoys getting to know students and joking around with them. Outside of school, Mr. Garrison enjoys spending time with his two daughters, running, playing fantasy sports, playing euphonium in the Charter Oak Brass Band, and rooting for his beloved Philadelphia sports teams.  

email: b45kgarr@mpspride.org

Sarah Jordan has been teaching orchestra and music since 2007 and has been teaching in Manchester for the past ten years. In the past decade she has taught at ten different schools in Manchester, teaching beginning orchestra. Her favorite part of teaching is when students figure out a new concept or song and when they understand something new. Ms. Jordan enjoys listening to and playing music; she plays viola with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra. She also enjoys CrossFit, baking, going for walks outside, and playing board games with friends and family. 

email: sjordan@mpspride.org

Erienne Mellen has been teaching General Music and Chorus in Manchester since 2007. She taught K-5 at Robertson for 10 years and then transitioned to 6th grade at Bennet Academy.  Her favorite parts of teaching are learning from her students and seeing their excitement when a song or project they have been working on comes to fruition. Mrs. Mellen is also the Secretary of the Manchester Education Association. Outside of school, Erienne is the lead singer of a band called “Blanket Statement” and loves to spend time with her husband, son, friends, family, and dogs. 

email: b51egrie@mpspride.org

Alicia Daigle has been teaching music for four years. She previously taught Electronic Music Composition and Guitar in South Windsor before joining the Bennet staff three years ago. Ms. Daigle’s favorite part of teaching is watching her students grow as musicians and artists. Outside of school, she enjoys playing flute, knitting, and spending time with her friends, family, and cats. 

email: adaigle@mpspride.org

This is Sarah’s second year teaching band and general music at Bennet Academy. Previously she taught general music in Hartford and New Haven to students in grades Pre-k through 8th grade. Her favorite part of teaching band is watching how her students grow as musicians throughout the year. She is excited to see the journey her beginning band players will take this year! (Remember, you can do hard things!) When not in school she enjoys spending time hiking and letterboxing, playing video games, and hanging out with her four guinea pigs Samoa, Pancakes, Hazel, and Tilly.

email: sgelb@mpspride.org