Meet the Artistic Staff

Samantha Isely holds a Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music Education from Northern Arizona University and is currently pursuing her Master's in CCM Vocal Pedagogy at Shenandoah University. She holds expertise in both the choral and contemporary worlds of music, and advocates for healthy vocal production in all styles.  Samantha also maintains a private voice studio and hopes to teach collegiate studio voice post-graduation.

An Arizona native, Samantha previously taught K-8 General Music and Choir in the Paradise Valley Unified School District in Phoenix. She has performed in more than 30 theatrical productions  and has choreographed and music-directed a comparable amount of musical theater, a cappella, and choral productions across Arizona, Nevada, and Virginia. 

 Kristina Sheppard is the choir director at Gainesville High School(GHS) in Gainesville, VA. 

She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from The Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO; she previously earned her bachelor’s degree in Music and Psychology from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. 

She has taught middle school and high school choir in Colorado Springs, Fauquier County, and Prince William County over the past 12 years. 

In addition to her work with the GHS choral program, Kristina also provides vocal direction for musical productions in partnership with the GHS theatre program, and raises two beautiful children with her amazing husband. 

Connie Gallond is a highly respected pianist and accompanist with longstanding ties to the northern Shenandoah Valley music community.  

Currently affiliated with Frederick County (VA) Public Schools, she has worked extensively with youth and adult choral groups across the region.