Nick Djernes is in his 6th year as the Vocal Music Director at Westside Middle School, where he teaches general music courses, 7th Grade Choir, 8th Grade Choir, Westside Connection show choir, and directs a spring musical production. Prior to teaching at Westside Middle School, Nick taught K-6 music for 7 years in the Westside district. In that time he served as Department Chair over the elementary music department, where he spearheaded new curriculum development, music assessment design, and budget updates to increase opportunities for elementary students to engage more actively in the classroom. After student teaching at Westside High School with Doran Johnson, Nick also directed the Warrior Express show choir for five years along with Mr. Johnson. Before accepting his new position at the middle school, Nick graduated from the University of Nebraska with his Masters degree in Educational Leadership.  Nick currently lives in the Sunset Hills neighborhood with his wife, Kelly, and their three spirited daughters, Brenna, Adelynn, and Willa. 

Email: djernes.nicholas@westside66.net

Office Phone: 402-408-8671 

Lora Moriarty joined the Westside choir family in the fall of 2021. As the full time accompanist for the program, Lora accompanies the 8th grade choir, 7th grade choir, Westside Connection, and the spring musical.  Prior to joining Westside, Lora spent her career teaching music in South Dakota. Her experience in education ranges from the elementary music classroom to collegiate music including everything in between. Alongside her teaching, Lora also led the Sioux Falls Girls Chorale, served on the board of the South Dakota High School Honor Choir, judged local and regional honor choirs, and performed music at her church. Lora graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND with bachelor degrees in Music and Education, and received her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. She currently resides in Omaha with her husband Collin. Lora enjoys traveling to see her two children in Minneapolis, MN and watching college football.  (Go Gophers!)