If there is one word that describes Sydney Jahnigen '17, it would be tenacious! She never quits, never gives up, never gives less than 110%! It was true when she was a first-year student at BW, and it remains true today in her seventh year of teaching.

Dr. Jami Lercher, Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, has worked with Sydney and her choirs for years. She was delighted to contribute the following: 

"Everything you need to know about Sydney's teaching is reflected in the faces of her bright, eager students. Their enthusiasm and dedication shines through whether on the show choir stage, the rehearsal classroom, or in the concert hall. Their respect and adoration for Ms. Jahnigen is tangible! She leads with outstanding vocal modeling, high expectations, a touch of humor, and most importantly, love for her students and her art." 

Professor Nanette Canfield, who taught voice and was the Assistant Director of the Conservatory before she became the Associated Director of Stem Scholars at BW speaks highly of Sydney's ability to go above and beyond of what is expected. 

"I had the pleasure and the privilege of serving as Sydney's voice teacher during her time at BW. Every lesson was a joy, whether we were working on technical issues, exploring repertoire, or just discussing life. She effectively performed solo repertoire in an astonishing variety of styles. Her academic achievements are equally impressive, and she successfully navigated the significant challenges of completing the degree requirements for both the Voice Performance and the Music Education majors. Sydney is one of the most dedicated and inspired students I have had the honor to teach, and I was thrilled when she landed the choral position at North Royalton High School where she is passing along her love and respect for the art of music to her own students." 

Finally, Dr. Dirk Garner, Gigax Chair for Choral Studies and Professor of Conducting, added this message for Sydney: 

"Sydney is a treasure. She is a brilliant teacher and her students adore her. During her time at BW she was universally admired by faculty and her peers. She did it all while here and took fullest advantage of each opportunity. I know that she is making a deep and meaningful impact on her students' lives. Congratulations, friend!"

Sydney Jahnigen

Director of Choirs, North Royalton High School

North Royalton, Ohio 

 

Current teaching position: 
I am a Director of Choirs at North Royalton High School. I have been in this position for the last 4 years. 

Prior to North Royalton, I taught at Tuslaw Schools and Elyria City Schools. All together, I've been teaching for 7 years. 

I teach 3 curricular choirs including competitive show choir and 2 a cappella ensembles. In addition, I am a Director of Theatre, which means I direct the musical, advise the drama club and Thespians. I am also a Senior Scholarship Coordinator, Class Advisor for Freshmen, as well as an ongoing assistant with the middle school (6th and 8th grades).

When were you first introduced to music and how? - I always loved music and singing. I constantly performed Disney movies for my family (none of them were musical). We watched lots of Disney and musical theatre when I was young.

When did you start lessons?- I started taking voice lessons in the 7th grade.

What was your first instrument?- I started trumpet in the 4th grade and played through 8th grade.

Why switch from trumpet to voice? - I have always sung and in 4th grade I had to choose an instrument for school, so I picked trumpet. It was good enough, but not what I was passionate about. Eventually, I gave it up and continued to focus on voice. 

What musical activities did you pursue in high school? - I was in every choir I was allowed to be in (curricular or not) as well as highly involved in theatre (plays and musicals). I was also involved in a community music theatre troupe and pop acappella ensemble.

When did you graduate from BW and with what degree? - I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelors of Music Education and a Bachelors in Music in Vocal Performance.

Vocal Performance class of 2017 with Professor Scott Skiba: Daniella Smith '17, Luke Lemmeier '17, Robin Senser '17,  Alyssa Holley '17, Sydney Jahnigen '17, and Peter Henkels '16.

What made you decide to go to BW? - I toured many schools when deciding to go to college. I picked BW because of the atmosphere, the teachers, and my ability to get my double degree in less than 5 years. It allowed me to do everything I wanted to explore. 

Favorite class - Motet Choir and Lab Choir (Lab choir was created and run by students in order for them to gain more conducting experience).

Favorite professors - Dr. Dirk Garner, Dr. Zarina Melik Stepanova, Professor Nanette Canfield, and Dr. Danielle Kuntz

Dr. Dirk Garner, Gigax Chair for Choral Studies, and Sydney 

What ensembles, groups, or activities did you participate in while at BW? - University Choir, Motet Choir, Bach Festival Choir, BW Men’s Chorus Intern, OCMEA, FSL (Alpha Phi), Mu Phi Epsilon, SOL, Bella Voce

Favorite piece of music you learned or performed while at BW? - Messages to Myself by Christopher Theofanidis 

What would you change about how we teach music to children? - I would trust kids more with actual music literacy. Sometimes we hold back teaching them how to truly understand a musical score due to lack of time or resources. They can do it and it is so empowering and beneficial when young musicians can succeed on their own. Rote teaching is fast and sometimes easier, but in the long run, it is not always the best. 

Sydney Jahnigen '17, Colton Ryan '17, Luke Lemmeier '17, Greg Good '17, William Meinert, Dr. Dirk Garner, Dr. Zarina Melik-Stepanova, and Rosie Upton '17. 

What are some specific challenges you encounter in teaching music to high school students? - Students' lives outside of the classroom affect them so much more than we often realize. We have to care and consider that as much as we care about the music to have a truly cohesive ensemble. On the more practical note, class scheduling is always difficult and recruitment can never stop. 

Who was the very first person you met at BW? - Katie Staskus '14, my tour guide at BW.

Is there someone from BW that you stay in touch with now? - Courtney Popp '18, Lauren Falk '18, Paige Heidrich '18, Nathan Shook '17, Vince Matia '15, Dirk Garner, Zarina Melik-Stepanova, Nanette Canfield '82, Marc Weagraff, Jami Lercher, David Pope, and Erika Haskell '97. 

Valuable lesson you’ve learned since you graduated: - Honor your capacity! Never stop dreaming and working towards what you want.

If you could give advice to a graduating BW senior, what would you say?
Don't be afraid to go for every job that interests you when looking. Don't be content in a job that doesn't entice you to do more. Be excited to go to work.

What is your favorite book? - "Paper Town" by John Green.

What is your favorite show to binge on TV? - "Community" or any cooking show

What is something that you took up interest in or started doing after graduation? - I have really enjoyed crafting and creating with my hands. I never really had time for it, but since taking on a theatre program I've loved building sets, props, and costumes. I also make sure to take some time to use my cricut for fun as well.

Favorite quote:  - “Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
― Shinichi Suzuki

If you are a Conservatory alum, please join our ever-growing BW Conservatory of Performing Arts Facebook group. If you have questions, would simply like to reach out, or would like to nominate a Conservatory alum for a feature, please do not hesitate to e-mail Dr. Zarina Melik-Stepanova at zmelikst@bw.edu. 

To check out our previous feature on Stephen Tsambarlis '20, Kalee Bondzio '14, Rayna Brooks '16, and Hillery Needham '03 please go to HIVE MIND homepage.