March 2016 Alumni Class Notes

Lisa DameronLisa Dameron, 2010, B.M. Music; 2011, M.M. Music: “Since I have graduated from CSU, I have taught in three different schools (and districts), varying from Kindergarten to 12th grade Music. I taught K-5 general music, 6-12 choir, drama, and a music exploration class in Bennett, Colo. After 1 ½ years, my husband and I moved back to Fort Collins and I taught orchestra and choir at Lincoln Middle School for one year. After budget cuts, we moved to Thornton and I have been at both North Arvada Middle School and Arvada K-8 for 3 years. I have taught choir, song writing, drama, and guitar during my years in Jefferson County.  When I am not teaching, I am spending time with my husband Stuart Dameron (who is currently adjunct faculty at Colorado State University) and my daughter, Lillian.”

Audrey Francis Class Note Headshot

Audrey Francis, 2001, B.A. Technical Journalism started her college journey as journalism major and after taking only two acting classes, she decided to add Theatre as a minor. In her words, “…it completely changed my career path. Colorado State University Theatre had a profound effect on my life…” Shortly after graduating from CSU, Audrey moved to Chicago and was accepted to study at the School at Steppenwolf, a prestigious acting school taught by world renowned actors. Two of their ensemble members, Amy Morton and K. Todd Freeman, took Audrey under their wing and helped her build an acting and directing career, while mentoring her to be a teacher of the Meisner Technique. Audrey now teaches the Meisner Technique at Steppenwolf, while also teaching advanced acting at the University of Chicago, and has opened her own school called “Black Box Acting”. Some of her television credits include Chicago Fire, ER, and Chicago Med.

Aleaha Harkins Class Note Headshot

Aleaha Harkins, 2013, B.M. Music: “After graduating, I launched directly into my position at the Denver Green School as their music teacher for Early Childhood Education through 8th Grade. I am also pursuing my Master's in Music Education with a Kodály Emphasis at Colorado State, and will be graduating in Dec. 2016. Recently, I have been pursuing an advancement within my district by becoming a Teacher Leader for a cohort of specials teachers. In addition, I am teaming up with the music curriculum coordinator in Denver public schools for the continuing evolution of Music Education.”

 

Scott Wheeler Class Note HeadshotScott Wheeler, 1995, B.M. Music: “A native of Fort Collins, I stayed home to teach music in our community after I graduated from Colorado State in 1995. I am now in my 20th year of teaching (9 years of elementary music, and then 11 years of middle school choir and drama), and I still sing and act with troupes around Northern Colo. Last fall, I played the role of "Shrek" in the Fort Collins Children's Theatre Production of Shrek the Musical.”