Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Tarrant.
Hi Leah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in New Mexico and Texas and started voice lessons at a young age after my elementary music teacher gave me a solo for a Christmas concert. My mom leaned over to my dad and said, “I think she has a gift”. Well, once I started I haven’t stopped. I studied classical voice and earned a vocal scholarship to Ricks College (now BYU-I) with the end goal of being an opera singer.
After I finished my associate degree, from there, I earned another scholarship from Utah State University where I completed my degree with a composite major in Vocal Performance and Music Education. I planned to go straight into my Masters, but life has a funny way of leading you in different directions. I interviewed for Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah, and was offered the job. After Wasatch High School, I was going to move to Texas to get married but decided to interview at Taylorsville High School just to see what would happen and they offered me the job. After talking with my then fiancé, we decided that I should take the job and he would move up from Texas.
Well, I just completed my 25th year at Taylorsville High School and have no plans in changing schools before it is time for me to retire. I am only the second choir teacher to teach at Taylorsville and have been blessed with a strong program that consists of 6 ensembles. Over the years, I have taught close to 8,000 students. I have taught many families where all of the siblings go through my program and am now teaching children of former students.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say for the most part it has been smooth. The community/parent support has been incredible. I have parents who bend over backward to help, but not overstep. This was a lesson I learned in my career…….to ask for help. When you are running a large performance-based program there are many steps to making it successful. Having parent support has been a key element in my ability to stay positive and not burn out. I have had the best administration (which is the key to a smooth performing arts program) and my peers are the best of the best.
Covid, of course, was a major stumbling block. How do you teach students to sing through a computer? We missed the face-to-face interaction. We were all starving for that musical connection that is so powerful. I tried my best to have meaningful assignments that would keep music alive in their homes, but I had many say they just wanted to sing with everyone else. Hard to believe that those years have passed and we made it. Many programs struggled to keep their numbers, but the students of Taylorsville High stayed strong and we are stronger than ever. It’s that Warrior Spirit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started as a singer! This is what I was known for throughout High School and University levels. I had been in several choirs but did not have the initial desire to be a choir director. After student directing several times in several ensembles, I found a new passion. Taking many voices and my knowledge of the voice and bringing them together to make something beautiful. This passion has allowed me to have opportunities that I had only dreamed of. I have had the opportunity to adjudicate choir festivals in several states and listen to what is happening chorally around the United States. I have directed several local Honor Choirs ranging from middle school to high school age. It is such a thrill to choose literature and have teachers help their students learn the material and then I get to step in and make it magical.
I am most proud of the connection that I get with my students. I have been told on numerous occasions that I have a gift of connection. I am not sure if that is necessarily true, but I do know that teenagers just need someone to believe in them and I am happy to do it. My classroom is a haven from the stress of everyday life. While setting a standard of excellence I want them to also feel the love I have for them. I give 100% of myself to each of my ensembles in the hope that they return that energy. They call me Mama T and I take that name very seriously. Our youth are struggling so much mentally and I know that music and a sense of belonging can help them through the hardest of times. Music brings joy. I also love that I am getting to teach my daughter right now. It is such a joy to have her bound into my classroom and to have her sing in my choirs. I will have my son in a few years. Parent payday for sure.
I think what sets me apart is the sheer number of years I have spent in one place. I just finished my 25th year at Taylorsville and I am home. Although I don’t live directly in Taylorsville I feel that my family and I have roots there.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Salt Lake has so much culture! In every direction, there is something for everyone. The arts are especially present. We have theaters, choirs, symphonies, dance, etc…. in all parts of the city.
What do I like least………traffic. LOL. One of the perks of coming from a small town is less traffic. Honestly, there is not much I dislike.
Image Credits
@rachelamyphotography and Jami Stensrud
