Sinfonietta conductor, Jerilynn Harris, has built a 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 since 2016 teaching grades K-8. Jerilynn graduated with honors from Pacific Lutheran University in 2008 and credits much of the early success of this career as a teacher to the excellent experiences provided by the faculty at PLU.

 

Jerilynn is the orchestra director for the Odyssey program, which serves highly capable learners, and 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. 

 

Jerilynn has a wonderful ability to connect with young musicians, providing positive, meaningful, and entertaining feedback in the music-making process, and is often hired as an adjudicator, clinician, and coach. After beginning cello as a main instrument in school orchestra in 5th grade, Jerilynn also now plays piano, guitar, mandocello, and other stringed instruments.