Sinfonietta conductor, Jerilynn Harris, has built their career as a public school string teacher on both sides of Washington state, first in the Bethel School District in Spanaway, WA for eight years teaching grades 4-12 and now in Spokane Public Schools for the past six years teaching grades K-8. They graduated with honors from Pacific Lutheran University in 2008 and credit much of their early success as a teacher to the excellent experiences provided by the faculty at PLU (Go Lutes!). Jerilynn is the orchestra director for the Odyssey program, which serves highly capable learners, and also teaches developmental music for the Spokane Public Language Immersion program in Spanish. Jerilynn currently serves as the Orchestra Curriculum Officer on the board of the Washington Music Educators Association and has previously served on the board of the Washington Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Other ventures have included serving as the president of the Mountain Region Music Educators Association, conductor of the Rainbow City Orchestra, an LGBTQ community orchestra in Seattle, and performing in various ensembles across the Pacific Northwest. Jerilynn is often hired as an adjudicator, clinician, and coach because of their ability to connect with young musicians and provide positive and meaningful (and entertaining) feedback in the music-making process.

 

Jerilynn’s main instrument is cello, which they began playing in school orchestra in 5th grade and continue to play in addition to piano, guitar, mandocello, and other stringed instruments. Jamming with others, improvising, and creating community through music are among their favorite things, as well as cycling, hiking, and spending time with their wife and son.