A LETTER FROM OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR, TRACY BLUNT

Dear Fellow UUs:

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to serve as the Music Director of this special church! I had the honor of directing the UU choir from 2006 through 2008, and I am thrilled to be returning as choir director with additional responsibilities. For those who don't know me ... I graduated from West Chester University in 1984, where I studied music education and pursued piano as my major instrument. I have studied with Wallace Pancoast, John Robilette, Robert Bedford, and David Brown. I attribute my love of music to these fine teachers, as well as to my dad, who always inspired me! I love playing the piano and accompanying vocalists and choirs!

I began my teaching career as an elementary general and vocal music teacher in the Sate College Area School District. While there, I also served as the music director for the State College Children's Theatre and as the children's choir director for the State College Presbyterian Church. My 20 years of public school teaching include work in several PA and Delaware districts. In 1993, I was honored to be selected as "Teacher of the Year" by my colleagues and the administrative staff in the Colonial School District in New Castle, Delaware. In each school, I loved and greatly enjoyed leading others in creating beautiful music! In 1991, I completed my certification as an Orff-Schulwerk music and movement specialist at West Chester University. Then, in 2004, I completed my Master's Degree in Elementary Education at Kutztown University.

In 2006, I completed the Principal's Certification program at Penn State, and began my administrative career as assistant principal of Northside Elementary School in Palmyra, PA. I served at Northside as principal in 2008, and then became principal at Kutztown in 2009. Now, in my third year at Kutztown, I am enjoying helping my students learn and grow!
When not working, I love playing piano, visiting antique shops/flea markets, reading, and spending time with my husband, Paul, and two daughters: Taylor, 20 and Madison, 16. We also have two dogs, Max and Jake, who enjoy walks and treats! Paul and I continue to renovate our old house in Womelsdorf, PA. It's a lifelong process, but also a great source of satisfaction as we are able to complete many projects.

I look forward to serving you and creating beautiful music together. Pleae let me know if you have any musical requests or wish to provide special music for a service sometime this year.

Yours in music,
Tracy