BY KATY THORNTHWAITE
AN INTERVIEW WITH
MARCIA YOST Director of Arts, Goshen College
has shaped my life. My undergrad degree in Music Education at the University of Indianapolis led to later studies and a masters degree in music education and choral conducting. What are some of the different music education positions that you have held? I began my career teaching elementary music for six years in the Fairfield School corporation in Goshen, IN. I then moved to Goshen Community Schools, where I taught both middle school and high school. As the programs grew, I spent most of the next 34 years teaching at the high school level, working with my colleagues to create an incredible music program that received national recognition.
What is your musical background? I began studying music in the first grade with piano lessons. I stayed with piano until I was about 11, at which point I became enamored with the guitar. Once I got a guitar, that became my focus. I started playing the french horn in the band and continued playing in bands and orchestras through college. I sang beginning at a young age and became very passionate about vocal performance, which ultimately led to my studying vocal performance and music education in college. Student teaching became a pivotal time in my life. I loved teaching! From that point on my passion for teaching 8
Describe your current work as a music educator. My current work as a music educator is committed to giving back to the profession I love. I teach the music education courses at Goshen College, where I have the opportunity to share my educational experience with college students. I also work to engage with music educators in the region to create opportunities for collaboration and sharing. My schedule allows me to take advantage of opportunities to clinic with choirs around the midwest. I see these clinics as an opportunity to reinforce the fine work done by choral colleagues and be a support to colleagues when they need a chance to breathe. Another one of my passions in music education is centered around our county El Sistema-inspired program called “ECoSistema.” This cooperative program with Goshen College, the Boys and Girls Club, and Horizon Education Alliance has been a joy to be involved with since its inception. This is truly a program that helps to make music accessible to all. W I N T E R 2021
