Name: Katie Sullivan
Major at ISU: Bachelor of Music: Vocal Music Education
Graduation Year: 2017
Hometown: Urbandale, IA
Current Residence: Waukee, IA
What were you involved in during your time at ISU:
I was involved in Iowa State Singers, Cantamus, Opera Studio, Sigma Alpha Iota, Student Representative, Stage Manager, Jazz Combos/Jazz 2 Featured Vocalist.
What do you currently do for a living:
I am currently the 9th-grade vocal music teacher at Waukee Timberline School. I direct the 9th-grade choirs, and 9th-grade show choir, and I am the assistant director of the Waukee High School show choirs.
Can you share a particularly interesting or inspiring story that occurred in your career?
I started my career in Keokuk, Iowa, and taught high school vocal music there for 3 years. I have been in Waukee for 4 years now and I am at the point where I have former students choosing to go into Music Education in college. Two of my former Keokuk students are in the program at Iowa State now and it is so rewarding to see them in the same choirs and roles that I was in a few years ago. It was a true full-circle moment for me. To add to that, my high school director at Urbandale, Ted Brimeyer, is an ISU grad. My current colleague, Kathryn Murray (Mosiman) was at Iowa State when I was in high school and a student taught me when I was a student at Urbandale. Their influence on me in the choral classroom made me want to pursue my degree at Iowa State and I am endlessly thankful for them.
Are there other ways that you participate in your community and/or hot to engage as a Citizen Artist?
I volunteer at my church, Summitcreek, as a Worship Vocalist/Team Member and lead our Youth Worship and Production teams!
How did your time at ISU prepare you for your career?
While each of my courses prepared me for unique parts of my career, the ensembles I sang in were incredibly important. Iowa State Singers, Cantamus, Opera Studio, and singing with the Jazz Band/Combos helped develop me vocally in different ways. They also showed me what educational excellence looks and sounds like. I am influenced daily by the experiences I had during my time at Iowa State when I was directing my ensembles at school.
What was your favorite class while you were at ISU? Why?
I loved so many of my courses, but Iowa State Singers and Cantamus were my favorites! The experiences I had under the directors of Dr. Rodde and Kathleen are irreplaceable.
How was your involvement in music and theatre beneficial in different parts of your life?
Much of my life is still ingrained in music, and the foundation that the ISU Department of Music and Theatre gave me is integral to that. The connections I made at Iowa State have turned into some of the best colleagues I could ask for. I am lucky enough to work with a handful of Iowa State alums in Waukee and without the connections I had made at Iowa State it just wouldn't be the same!
Any words of wisdom for current or prospective students?
Cherish your time there! I absolutely loved my time at Iowa State and I am incredibly thankful for the way I was prepared for my career. The memories I made at Iowa State and the friends I made in the music department are still so precious to me. Make the most of your time!