Karen Sims, director
karensimswccc@gmail.com
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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Honored to contribute to the organization which inspired her as a college music student, Karen became artistic director of WCCC in 2014. She passionately believes that music makes life better and has devoted her entire teaching career helping children learn about themselves and others as they develop their unique voices and create beautiful music. Karen currently is choral music educator at Maize South Middle School. She is a past recipient of the KMEA Outstanding Middle Level Educator Award and has served on the state boards of KMEA and the Kansas American Choral Director's Association. Karen received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in music education and theatre from Bethel College and earned her Master's Degree in Music Ed at the University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana. When not involved in music, Karen enjoys time with her husband and three daughters, traveling and soaking in God's nature, and spending time with their beautiful horses and faithful Australian Shepherd. ACCOMPANIST
Dr. James Knight was born in Wichita, Kansas where he studied piano from Lucille Hayden and Guy Johnson. He later attended Manhattan School of Music in New York and earned his Master's and Doctoral degrees. He was honored as a finalist in the Leschetizky Piano Competition and also performed at Steinway Hall in New York City. Dr. Knight is a faculty of Friends University where he is an assistant professor of piano and teaches various music classes. He also enjoys performing frequently in “Chamber Music at the Barn” REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST
Amy McLellan joined WCCC as rehearsal accompanist in the fall of 2007. She received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Evangel University and Master's in piano performance from Wichita State University. She has also had the opportunity to spend time teaching in the classroom as well as accompanying as part of the Wichita State Accompanist's Guild. As an accompanist with WCCC, she has truly enjoyed watching students grow to become excited and passionate about singing. Amy and her husband, Mark reside in Wichita with their four young children. |
