Mr. Ross Boerner is a choral conductor, church music director, vocalist, and pianist with a vibrant career spanning over two decades. His musical journey began at the age of 18 when he accepted a church music director position at his home church in Boyertown, PA. From a young age, Ross knew he was destined for a life in choral music, spending countless hours conducting choir recordings in his parents’ kitchen.
Academic Excellence and Professional Training
Mr. Boerner earned his BA in Music from Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. He has honed his skills in choral conducting under the guidance of renowned educators including Dr. James Jordan at Westminster Choir College, Dr. Giselle Wyers from the University of Washington, and three-time Grammy Award winner Dr. Vance George, Chorus Director Emeritus of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Ross has also learned from several nationally acclaimed choral artists such as Moses Hogan, Alice Parker, David Fanshaw, and Dr. Eph Ely of the University of Missouri.
Performance Highlights
Along with extensive training in piano and pipe organ, Ross has showcased his vocal talent on prestigious stages, including three concerts at New York's Carnegie Hall, featuring the premiere of David Fanshaw’s African Sanctus. His international performances have taken him to England’s Westminster Abbey and Arundel Cathedral, as well as the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in France.
Additionally, he has served as a guest conductor for various local churches during Christmas concerts and special programs. Noteworthy performances include guest conducting twice at the Ocean Grove Choir Festival in Ocean Grove, NJ, and leading the innovative "Messiah 2.0," which features the original Messiah vocal and orchestral score enhanced with modern instrumentation.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Since 2012, Mr. Boerner has been the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Norristown Chorale. In 2014, he assumed the role of Director of Music Ministries and Organist at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in King of Prussia, PA, after dedicating 14 years to the First Baptist Church of Norristown in West Norriton, PA.
Ross has completed his Level 1 Instructional Certification in PK-12 music and is actively seeking employment in a PA public school system.
Explore More
For more information about Mr. Boerner and his musical endeavors, visit his website at www.RABmusic.org.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe a well-rounded education includes the arts, and that music education is essential for developing creativity alongside emotional, social, and cognitive skills. Students learn best in environments that are student-centered, relationship-driven, and grounded in meaningful musical experiences-where they feel known, respected, and supported within a clear and welcoming structure. In both general music and choir, students learn to express their thoughts and feelings, collaborate with peers, and develop focus and discipline through active music-making.
At the elementary level, I emphasize joyful exploration through singing, movement, instrument play, and creative expression. At the middle and high school levels, instruction expands through relevant, real-world connections to music, including music technology, songwriting, world music, and music history, while strengthening skills in listening, analysis, and performance. My classroom and rehearsal spaces are inclusive communities where every student’s contribution is valued. Through hands-on instruction, group singing, targeted practice, listening activities, and supportive tools such as practice tracks and individualized feedback, students grow at their own pace while working toward shared musical goals. I strive to select repertoire and learning experiences that reflect a school’s culture while broadening students’ musical and cultural horizons, helping them become reflective learners who listen—to themselves, to others, and to the world around them—while developing skills that extend far beyond the music classroom.
I remain active in choral music as a church music director and director of an adult community chorus, which enhances my understanding of ensemble leadership. Regularly attending clinics and workshops, I stay current in the field and am a member of PMEA and NAfME.
Above all, I believe music teaches us to listen - to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.
Instructional Practice & Universal Design for Learning
My instructional practice is grounded in Universal Design for Learning and inclusive teaching strategies that ensure all students can access, engage with, and demonstrate understanding of music. I design lessons and rehearsals that incorporate multiple pathways for learning through singing, movement, listening, visual supports, modeling, and creative exploration. Instruction is scaffolded with clear routines, flexible grouping, and targeted supports so students with varied skills and learning needs can progress with confidence. By maintaining high expectations while offering differentiated tools- such as practice tracks, guided repetition, and individualized feedback—I create learning environments where students are supported, challenged, and empowered to grow as musicians and collaborators.
Classroom Management Philosophy
I believe that effective classroom management grows from relationships, consistency, and engaging instruction. Students thrive when expectations and routines are explicitly taught, practiced, and reinforced, creating a predictable environment where they feel safe to take risks. In the music classroom, engagement is management - when students are actively singing, moving, creating, and making music together, they are focused and successful. My approach emphasizes clear procedures, proactive planning, and respectful discipline that preserves student dignity and keeps learning moving. I design routines and instruction with accessibility in mind so that all learners can participate with confidence. Above all, I model the calm, welcoming, joyful presence I hope to cultivate in my students. My classroom is a community built on trust, consistency, and music-making.
Building Substitute Teacher – Spring-Ford 5/6 Center, Royersford, PA January 2026 - present
• Delivered instruction across multiple classrooms, including general and special education settings
• Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain structured and productive learning
• Adapted quickly to different teaching styles, student needs and classroom expectations
• Built positive relationships with students to support engagement and behavior
Building Substitute Teacher – Collegium Charter High School, Exton, PA November 2024 – June 2025
• Delivered instruction in a diverse, urban school environment across multiple grade levels
• Managed higher-need classrooms and implemented strategies to support student engagement
• Adapted to a wide range of academic and behavioral needs
• Built rapport with students from varied backgrounds to support a positive learning environment
Substitute Teacher – STS & Kelly Educational Services, PA Locations January 2023 – present
• Provided instruction across K-12 settings and subject areas, adapting quickly to different environments
• Built strong rapport with students and staff; frequently requested for repeat assignments
• Maintained classroom structure and implemented behavior expectations to support learning
• Completed multiple long-term assignments, including high school orchestra (5 weeks) and health/physical education (3 months)
Student Teacher – Gladwyne Elementary, Gladwyne, PA - Rebecca Johns, mentor teacher Fall 2025
• Developed and taught general music lessons for grades K-4
• Designed sequential music lessons using Orff Schulwerk and Kodály-based approaches
• Implemented classroom management strategies with clear expectations and smooth transitions
• Collaborated with mentor teacher to plan and assess student progress across grade levels
Student Teacher – Harriton High School, Bryn Mawr, PA - Jason Bizitch, mentor teacher Fall 2025
• Led choral rehearsals and supported ensemble development for high school students
• Taught musical concepts including rhythm, pitch, and vocal technique
• Assisted in concert preparation, repertoire selection, and assessment of student progress
• Collaborated with mentor teacher and staff to refine classroom management
MUSIC LEADERSHIP & INSTRUCTION
Artistic Director & Conductor – The Norristown Chorale, Norristown, PA 2012 – present
• Conduct weekly rehearsals and performances for a 65-voiced community SATB ensemble
• Develop ensemble skills including blend, balance, and collaborative listening
• Plan concerts and structure rehearsals to support musical growth
• Design promotional materials and oversee publicity for concerts and community engagement
Director of Music & Organist – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, King of Prussia, PA 2014 – present
• Direct choir and handbell ensembles for weekly and seasonal services
• Plan and coordinate all music across the liturgical year
• Lead rehearsals and coordinate musicians for weekly and special services
• Provide piano and organ accompaniment for worship services
Owner & Instructor – Private Piano Studio, Norristown, PA 2008 – 2024
• Provided individualized piano instruction for students ages 5 through adult
• Designed lessons tailored to the student ability and learning goals
• Developed foundational skills in technique, music reading, and musical expression
• Communicated student progress and goals with families
West Chester University, West Chester, PA
Instructional 1 K-12 Music Education Certificate
Eastern University, St. Davids, PA
BA in Music
Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA
AA in Music
Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ
Choral Conducting Institutes (2015 & 2016)
Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA
AA in Secondary Education