News
Carlos Casilla, Director of Choirs, PreK-Grade 12 Performing Arts Chair
Role(s) at Shipley:
Director of Choirs
Pre-K – Grade 12 Performing Arts Chair
Director of Choirs
Pre-K – Grade 12 Performing Arts Chair
Education:
BM in Piano and Vocal Performance, William Carey University
MM in Choral Conducting, Louisiana State University
Prior Professional Experience:
Assistant Director, Tiger Glee Club, Louisiana State University
Musical Director, Various Musical Productions, Eduardo Brito National Theater
Private Lesson Instructor
Outside performance groups or professional organizations to which you belong:
Artistic Director, York County Honors Choirs & Senior Honors Choir Conductor
American Choral Directors Association
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
National Association for Music Education
How/why did you get into music?
I've always had an appreciation of music. My mom tells a story of me as a five year old. We were in a restaurant and I started mimicking playing piano to the music that was playing. My mom enrolled me in music lessons right away. I’ve always had an appreciation for music and what it can convey.
What is your music teaching philosophy or style?
Anyone can be a musician, we’re just all at different levels. A lot of people come into my choir classroom and say, “I cannot sing.” I always think that anyone can sing, and with practice we can get better.
How would your students describe you?
Honest, passionate, caring.
Do you have any musical heroes or inspiration? If so, who are they and why?
Growing up, I didn’t have any musical heroes because I was pulled in many different directions – studying classical and hearing pop. I learned so much from every teacher that I ever had that influenced my path to becoming a full time musician.
What music do you listen to for fun?
If you listen to my shuffle playlist, you’ll hear a little bit of everything—musical theater, classical, bachata, merengue, salsa–it’s very random and changes day to day!
Fun Fact about you:
I love everything Disney but I’ve never been to Disney World.
Anything else you’d like people to know about you:
If it were up to me, everyone would sing or have a musical/performing experience.
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The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.
