Director of the Klahowya choirs, orchestra and drama programs, Jackie (Bruski) Levenseller grew up the 5th of 10 children in the cattle/wheat community of Wibaux, Montana. With Marvin Koch who began her in French horn studies, and Ron Zimmerman who would introduce her to classical and contemporary music, she found her calling to teach music.

Studying at Gonzaga University, she was cast as Little Mary in Little Mary Sunshine, beginning her passion for musical theatre. She completed her degree in music Education at the Lional Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. While at the U of I, she toured as a member and soloist with the Vandaleers under the direction of Glen Lockery, touring the West Coast and Central and South America. She completed her K-12 Vocal/Instrumental certification for teaching at the University of Washington.

Jackie began teaching choir and guitar classes in Blackfoot, Idaho, in 1974, then moved to California, teaching in the Corona/Norco Unified School District. While living in Corona, she became involved in the Corona Civic Theatre, playing Nancy in Oliver, and Meg in Brigadoon.

In 1978 she moved to Bristol, Rhode Island and volunteered at three private schools teaching music.

In 1980, she moved to Washington, and began teaching for the Central Kitsap School District. First at Olympic High School, followed by Jenne -Wright, then Cougar Valley, Silver Ridge, and currently Klahowya since KSS opened its doors in 1997.

Jackie and her husband Philip have performed throughout the Kitsap Community. Favorite roles have included Jackie as Nancy, and Philip as Bill in CSTOCKS first production, Oliver; In Bremerton Community Theatre’s King and I, Jackie as Lady Thiang, and (Philip as the King,), Jackie as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha and Philip as Don Quixote. Both continue to sing throughout the area, in clubs and private functions, often accompanied on piano by their daughters Jessica Daiker of West Seattle, and Amanda Watland of Kingston.

Jackie is more passionate than ever to work in a field she loves. Be it The KSS Vocal jazz ensemble, orchestra, junior high or high school choir, or directing the KSS plays and musicals, she hopes she can impart students with an appreciation of the performing arts.