Meet Your Teacher

Mrs. Karen Christian is a graduate from the secondary education program (music major and mathematics minor) at the University of Alberta (2001) with 20 years of music instruction experience both privately and publicly. She grew up surrounded by a strong music community in Grande Prairie, Alberta and also began her teaching career there at St. Joseph Catholic High School. In 2002, Karen moved in to a bigger music teaching role in Peace River, Alberta (Glenmary School) where she spent 5 years before moving to Ontario. She has directed wind ensembles, concert bands, jazz ensembles, and choirs that have traveled across Western Canada performing at festivals and on tour at schools and community events. She has been awarded two provincial teaching awards with the "Alberta Band Association 2001 Keith Mann Young Band Director of the Year" and the "2006 Alberta Excellence in Teaching". Karen’s enthusiasm for music continued with her move to Deep River, Ontario in 2007 where she became involved with the Deep River Choral Group, the Deep River Community Band, Petawawa Legion Community Band, and the Deep River Summermusic Camp. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and the Ontario Music Educators Association. In addition to her instructional and music directing abilities, Karen is an accomplished pianist and trumpet player.

Karen began at Bishop Smith Catholic High School in February of 2008. Her role in the school started with two math classes and one music classes and has now grown to all levels of music (grade 8 - 12) as well as a concert bands and jazz bands. She also teaches math and drama when needed and coordinates the music ministry for the school masses and celebrations.

Personal Philosophy of Music Education and a Music Program

"Success is a Journey - not a Destination"

Children should be given opportunities to express themselves. A music education provides children with an appropriate outlet for their creativity through self-expression and collaboration. My goal for a music program is to foster this creativity and encourage personal success while working in a group setting. Students will be offered experiences for healthy, positive, and rewarding interactions with their peers. I believe that a music program can also provide unique and distinct methods of learning. By appealing to individual learning strengths, achievement is obtained by all students.

Accordingly, music education plays an important role in the development of each individual. As a teacher, I create a positive learning environment that will support a student's growth. They begin to mature in their knowledge of what they are capable of achieving individually and as a group. I feel that the value of music is in shaping an individuals abilities and character. This program reveals to students the joys and challenges that can occur by actively participating in music. I intend on teaching my students not only how to be successful in music, but also in life. Students develop musical proficiencies but also skills that will help them to become better students.

Finally, music teaches the importance of discipline, commitment, sensitivity, teamwork, and self-worth. I believe that making music encourages the ability to work together towards a common goal, builds a sense of responsibility to oneself and to the group, and brings about a sense of pride in accomplishments.