Shaping Young Musicians for 30 Years – The Story of Mrs. Kiefer
by Benjamin Lliguicota
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Mrs. Ann Kiefer
At the elementary level in the Williamsville Central School District, teachers are often the first people to introduce students to music, practice routines, and performing in front of others. These early experiences are important because they help shape how students approach music as they grow. One of those teachers is Mrs. Ann Kiefer, an elementary string teacher who has been part of the district for more than thirty years.
Mrs. Kiefer began teaching in Williamsville in 1993. When she was first hired, she worked as a traveling string teacher across five elementary schools, visiting a different building each day of the week. As the district’s string program expanded, her position changed over time and was eventually assigned to fewer schools, which allowed her to work more closely with students. Today, she teaches at Forest Elementary and Maple West Elementary, where she serves as the string teacher for the south side of the district.
Her interest in music began at a young age. Mrs. Kiefer grew up in a household where music was already present, as her mother played the French horn. Being around an instrument made her eager to start playing herself. “I didn’t care what I played. I just wanted an instrument in my hand,” she said. Although she originally thought about playing the flute, she did not want to wait an extra year to begin. She started on violin instead and quickly found that she enjoyed it!
Mrs. Ann Kiefer introducing the orchestra at the Maple West orchestra concert (spring 2025)
Mrs. Kiefer also credits her middle school teacher, Mr. Gelfer, as an important influence in her decision to pursue music education. She described how his encouragement stood out to her and stayed with her over time. “He would come and whisper in my ear and say, ‘Wow, you did such a great job today,’” she recalled. Those small moments of encouragement later influenced how she approaches teaching and interacting with her own students.
When asked what she hopes students gain from her classes, Mrs. Kiefer always emphasized kindness over everything else. “If you don’t have kindness, you can’t really go far in life,” she said. While she believes students need honest and constructive feedback in order to improve, she also feels that it should always be given respectfully. Additionally, she explained that students are more willing to try and keep working when they feel supported rather than discouraged, especially when learning an instrument for the first time.
A creative way Mrs. Kiefer encourages her students is through a classroom tradition she has used for many years. After students master a concert piece, they earn a ribbon that they can attach to their instrument. “I’ve been doing this for decades,” she said. The ribbons act as a visible reminder of effort and progress, and many students take pride in earning them over time.
Some of Mrs. Kiefer’s most memorable moments as a teacher come from concerts and performances. Because she often works with beginners, she frequently accompanies her students on the piano during concerts. Seeing students perform after only a few months of instruction is especially meaningful to her. She also described informal performances, such as playing in the cafeteria for other students. On more than one occasion, younger students were so excited that they asked for autographs! Moments like these highlight how proud students feel when they perform for others.
Mrs. Ann Kiefer accompanying the Maple West orchestra (spring 2025)
Mrs. Kiefer and her son
Mrs. Kiefer also spoke about music beyond the classroom. She described it as a creative outlet and shared a personal story about a friend she met in a summer music program in third grade. Although they were not especially close outside of ensembles, they continued playing together for many years and as adults, that friend traveled eight hours just to visit her! Mrs. Kiefer believes their shared time playing violin helped maintain that connection.
Outside of school, Mrs. Kiefer remains active! She enjoys hiking, biking, and reading, and she is an animal lover. She also has a 20-year-old son who plays the viola, and they enjoy performing together in community settings such as nursing homes. In addition, she continues to volunteer with music programs, including helping with summer ensembles.
Mrs. Kiefer performing with her chamber group under Mrs. Vredenburg at the Audubon Library
Mrs. Kiefer and Mrs. Vredenburg after a holiday music performance at Galleria Mall
Mrs. Kiefer with her colleagues, Mrs. Amie Vredenburg (Mill Middle orchestra director, left) and Mrs. Regina Schueler (South High orchestra director, right)
After more than three decades in the district, Mrs. Ann Kiefer continues to teach with a steady and supportive approach. Through consistent encouragement and clear expectations, she has worked with generations of students as they begin learning music. The Williamsville Music Boosters are proud to recognize Mrs. Kiefer for her years of dedication to music education and her commitment to students across the district.
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