About Mrs. Penn I am originally from the Kansas City area where I began flute in fifth grade band. I wasn't the best (in fact, when I started middle school band my director had to help me learn the note names--I only knew the fingerings!), but I stayed in band because it was fun, I liked my teachers, and my friends were also in the band.
In high school I was 9th chair of 12 flutes in the freshman (9th grade) band. Then my director recommended a private teacher that summer who made me want to play at home more often. By the time the 10th-12th grade bandʼs marching season was done, I auditioned and made 2nd chair as a sophomore! That made me realize what I could do if I just put in a little more time and effort. I looked for more music opportunities and participated in everything from becoming a drum major to taking solos and small groups to festivals and joining a flute choir outside of school. Eventually I went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to become a music teacher, and I met my husband Dave who is a percussionist. I taught in the Omaha area for three years, then we moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where we lived for seven years. In 2013 we moved 1500 miles to Newton so Dave could get a PhD at Boston University (completed in 2019). The next year I had two big changes: I was offered this fantastic job in Needham, |
Winter Honors Concert, Newman Elementary, January 25, 2018 ~ Photo credit: Nick Tatar
and I began classes for my Masters in Music Education at BU, which I completed in 2016. Dave is now Dr. Penn, Professor of Religion at Rivier University in Nashua, NH.
We have two kids: Jonah (7th grade in 21-22) a Suzuki pianist who loves programming and Minecraft and is in cross country and chorus; Nat (11th grade) a Suzuki violinist finishing book 8 who also plays French horn and composes for ensembles in the area. We really like to explore Boston, have people over for dinner, and be active. If I could give you one thing to take from my own music learning experience it would be: You may not be great at first, but have fun and keep working a little at a time and you will surprise everyone including yourself! |
Contact information |
My home school is Newman Elementary. However, I respond quickest to messages sent via email because I travel to other buildings. [email protected]
If you have financial concerns, please reach out to the Fine and Performing Arts Director, Ms. LeeAnn Sutton. [email protected] |