Dr. Kristen A. Albert, Artistic Director and director of the KSCC Chorus

Dr. Kristen A. Albert is an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Music Education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where her specializations include choral methods, electronic portfolio development, and reflective practice for pre-service music educators. Dr. Albert has extensive experience in many facets of music education. An educator in the Pennsylvania public schools for seventeen years prior to her employment at West Chester University, Dr. Albert has teaching experience in various levels of classroom, vocal and instrumental music, both elementary and secondary. Her specialties include classroom, vocal, and instrumental music at the middle level, with emphasis on Kodaly Methodology. She holds certificates in Kodaly Level I and II from West Chester University. She earned her B.S. degree in Music Education from Millersville University, her M.Ed. from Shippensburg University, and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware.

In 2000, Dr. Albert co-founded theChildren’s Choir of Lancaster,a select choir for children with unchanged voices in grades 4-6. This choir continues to be an active presence in Lancaster County. Currently serving as guest conductor of the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus in 2006-2007, Dr. Albert will become Artistic Director of the children’s chorus in fall of 2007. Dr. Albert has served as guest conductor for the Dauphin County Chorus Festival, the PMEA District 7 Elementary Song Fest, and the PMEA District 12 Middle School Song Fest.  In 2007 Dr. Albert served as guest conductor for the Methacton Elementary Honors Choir Festival, the PMEA District 11 Elementary Song Fest, and the Children’s Choir Festival for the Lancaster Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. She will serve as guest conductor of the West Shore School District Elementary Honors Chorus in January, 2008, and the PMEA District 12 Elementary Song Fest in March, 2008.

An active performer and teacher of French horn, Dr. Albert is a member of the Lancaster Brass Quintet, established in 1982, principal horn of Allegro: the Chamber Orchestra of Lancaster, and a former member of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra (1982-1999). Dr. Albert currenlty plays horn in the Lancaster British Brass Band. She continues an active performance schedule on horn, and as a private instructor of French horn.

Dr.  Albert is an active member of the Music Educators’ National Conference, the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association, the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, and the American Choral Directors Association.  Dr. Albert has been recognized and named in Who's Who of American Women, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in American Education.