Honoring the Passion and Impact of Music Educators
At KI Concerts, we partner with choir, orchestra, and band directors to create performance experiences that stay with students for a lifetime. This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the music educators who makes it all possible: Sarah Branton, Director of Choirs and AP Music Theory teacher at Cherry Creek High School.
Why did you become an educator originally?
During college, I pursued a degree in vocal and instrumental music education while also training as a string bassist. After attending the Aspen Music Festival as a bassist, I realized that a performance career wasn’t the right path for me. I wanted to be in the classroom. I haven’t looked back since.
What is your favorite memory from an international performance tour?
I have two – one performance-related and one not:
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Performing Musica Animam Tangens by Joshua Shank. It was the perfect combination of incredible students, a stunning venue, and deeply meaningful music. (Barcelona 2014)
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In Iceland (2018), after our final performance, the Northern Lights appeared in rare form. Even the locals were excited! We took the students to a small rocky waterfront, where they lay under the sky, singing together informally while watching the lights. It was unforgettable.
What is one piece of advice you would give to educators beginning their careers?
Find one trusted colleague (B*tch Buddy) you can be completely honest with. Teaching can feel isolating, and having a single person to process challenges with makes a huge difference. But do not vent/complain to more than one person, because then the negativity can grow within you.
What is one piece of advice you would give yourself at the beginning of your career?
Go to bed earlier—and don’t make your basses sing too high until they trust you.
What is the greatest thing you have learned from your students?
Inclusivity, acceptance, and patience. I’ve learned that the boundaries of expectations can be expanded without compromising excellence.
What do you hope to pass on to your students?
The ability to create meaningful art with anyone—even people they may not agree with outside the rehearsal room.
How do you want to be remembered as a teacher?
As someone who truly saw and accepted every student, who challenged them to grow beyond where they started, and who helped them see the best in themselves and in others.
In your opinion, how can the community better support and celebrate educators?
By trusting educators and supporting them with kindness and patience.
KI Concerts is a full-service tour company that has been creating exceptional music tours for choirs, bands, and orchestras for over 40 years. Our mission is to provide seamless and enriching performance tours for groups of all ages and sizes, and our team of experts is dedicated to making that a reality.
