I’m Ms. Byham and I’m the orchestra teacher for grades 6, 7, and 8. I also teach the high school orchestra, as well as beginning strings to the fourth and fifth grade students at the elementary schools. I love that I get to be a part of your string-playing experience from the very beginning!

This is my third year at Watertown and my eighth teaching orchestra to middle school students. I grew up in Pennsylvania and have been playing the viola since the third grade! I went to Penn State, where I got my bachelor’s degree in Music Education/strings, before moving to Florida, and then South Carolina, where I taught middle school orchestra for five years before moving to Massachusetts.

Being a part of the orchestra has been such an important part of my life growing up and I so enjoy being able to be a part of the orchestra as your teacher. When I’m not teaching instruments, you can find me playing with the Brookline Symphony Orchestra or the Firebird Pops Orchestra (look up their virtual performance of the Harry Potter medley!).

If I’m not at school or playing I’m riding my bike around the city, kayaking, hiking, taking pictures, spending time with my little family (my cat, dog, and fiance´ - haha!), or just doing my best to be outside and active.

I know it’s kind of a weird start to the year, but I’m so excited to start making music together again!