Biography

Career

Ms. Novick has always been first and foremost an educator. She loves music and technology, and is passionate about teaching students, friends and family members to become life-long learners.

Amy has taught, conducted and performed within the classical, jazz, world music, and musical theatre genres. She taught orchestra, band, choir and guitar enthusiastically in Chicago's urban and suburban schools for 11 years, and has conducted musical theatre shows in high schools and community theatres.

When not teaching, Ms. Novick is a freelance musician and has performed for the Elgin Community College and Wilmette Park District musical productions; the Northshore Concert Band under Dr. Mallory Thompson and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra under Mr. Paul Vermel; with various jazz combos and big bands; as well as with religious choirs.

Amy is married to Matthew Hallaron, her best friend and fellow bass player. They have been friends for over 20 years and enjoy composing, arranging, and performing music together. She also enjoys her time as a photographer, musical arranger, cyclist, and traveller.

Education

Ms. Novick grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, playing string bass in orchestras, bands, jazz bands, and community theaters. She was a Principal Bassist with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras for five years, and first performed at The Midwest Clinic with their Percussion Ensemble. Ms. Novick is privileged to have worked under such wonderful educators and conductors as Mr. Thomas Buchhauser, Mr. James Smith, Ms. Vicki Jenks, Mr. Richard Davis, and Mr. Marvin Rabin.

She earned both her Bachelors degree in Music Education and her Certificate in Jazz Studies from Northwestern University, where she graduated with a Scholarship for Outstanding Work in Music Education. She is honored to have studied under Mr. Jeff Bradetich, Dr. Stephen Peterson, Mr. Don Owens, and the late John P. Paynter. She also is a graduate of National-Louis University where she earned her Masters in Education in Interdisciplinary Curriculum and Instruction under the instruction of Dr. Joseph Fischer, where her thesis focused on developing a successful group within an ensemble setting.