Christopher Roberts holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Washington, and a B.A. in African History from Swarthmore College. He received his Kodály Certificate from Seattle Pacific University, further studied the Kodály approach at the University of Calgary, and has given presentations for music educators throughout the United States and Canada. Christopher currently serves as Chair of Music Education at the University of Washington, working with undergraduate and graduate students. His co-authored book, World Music Pedagogy II: Elementary Music Education, was recently published by Routledge Press, and research articles have appeared in journals including Journal of Research in Music Education, British Journal of Music Education, and The Bulletin of the Council of Research in Music Education. Christopher serves as the director of the Kodály Levels Program of Seattle, and is a former President of the Western Division for the Organization of American Kodály Educators.
Shekela Wanyama is passionate about building a 21st century practice of art music that is inclusive, engaging, honest, and brave. A freelance conductor-educator based in Minneapolis, Shekela serves on the faculty of the University of Minnesota, Hamline University, and the music staff at Unity Church-Unitarian. Recent conducting engagements have included programs with the Minnesota Chorale, Singers in Accord, and Vocalpoint. She currently sings with Border CrosSing and the Minnesota Chorale, and has previously performed with choirs in the United States and Germany. A passionate educator, Shekela taught middle and high school choir for over ten years in public, charter, and independent schools. She serves on the faculty for the Seattle Kodaly Levels Program and has a certification in Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy. Her writing has appeared in Choral Journal and the International Choral Bulletin. She is a member of the inaugural cohort of Chorus America’s Executive Leadership Academy (2023). Shekela holds a DMA in conducting from the University of Minnesota, an MM in choral conducting from Temple University, a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Minnesota.
Kelly Foster Griffin is a National Board Certified teacher (2007) and a K-5 music educator in the Northshore School District (1988). Kelly holds a Kodály Certificate from the Kodály Musical Training Institute at Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, CT (1989); a Master of Music in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis from Holy Names University in Oakland, California (1992); and has served on local, regional and national music boards, including serving as past president of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (2012-14). She is the co-founder and former executive director of the non-profit arts camp, Summer Fun! - A Music, Theatre and Visual Arts Day Camp for Children (1993-2011); and has taught children’s and youth choirs for over 30 years. Kelly currently serves as Elementary West Curriculum Officer for the Washington Music Educators Association. She is an instructor for the Kodály Levels Program of Seattle teaching Musicianship, Pedagogy and Materials courses (2010 – present).
Melyssa Stone holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Washington and B.A. degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Seattle Pacific University. She completed her Kodály Levels at Seattle Pacific University and has worked with the program since 2014. She has worked at the elementary, middle and high school levels as a music educator and is a former director with Northwest Girlchoir, and Pacifica Choirs, focusing on a Kodaly-based approach to choral singing. Melyssa performs in the area as a jazz vocalist and has performed with artists such as Ben Folds, John Pizzarelli and the New York Voices. As a violist, she is a former member of the Thalia Symphony Orchestra and More Music @ the Moore performer. Melyssa has presented for the Seattle International Children's Festival, Seattle Theatre Group, Northwest Kodaly Educators, Washington Music Educator's Association, and schools on topics of musicianship, diversity in the arts, and children's choirs. Melyssa is currently vice-principal at Shorewood High School in the Shoreline School District.
Kyra Rengstorf is a choral conductor and music director in the greater Seattle area who is deeply committed to bringing more secondary choral conversations, opportunities, and teachers into the Kodály fold. Her teaching and research interests include culturally responsive teaching methods, global choral traditions, and literacy development for emerging-level ensembles. During her time at Western Washington University, Rengstorf directed the University Choir and taught Aural Skills and Secondary Choral Methods. In local Seattle-area public schools, she has taught middle school and high school mixed, SA, TB, and jazz choirs; piano, theater, musical theater, and elementary general music. Rengstorf is an in-demand honor choir conductor, adjudicator, and workshop presenter in the greater Seattle area. She conducted the WMEA All-State Junior Mixed Choir in February of 2024. Former positions include conductor for the Seattle Girls Choir and music director for the visual and performing arts camp Summer Fun! Rengstorf holds a BA in Music from Barnard College of Columbia University, a Post-baccalaureate degree in Music Education from the University of Washington, and an MM in Choral Conducting from Western Washington University. She is an active member of WMEA, ACDA, and OAKE, and serves on the board as treasurer for the Northwest Kodály Educators. When she isn't teaching, she's at home in Edmonds playing, cooking, gardening, and making music with her family.