Dr. Jason St. Claire graduated from Arizona State University in 2007 and began his teaching career in the Peoria Unified School District. After two years, he decided to move to Omaha, Nebraska to pursue a Master of Music degree.

 

Omaha proved to be a city with diverse musical cultures and opportunities, including Director of the Archdiocesan Children's Choir, Adjunct Professor of Music at Grace University, Director of Music for Elkhorn Community Theater, and teaching classes at the University of Nebraska - Omaha, including directing two ensembles and courses in music education. While at the University of Nebraska, Jason prepared the University Chorus to sing in a performance of Gabriel Fauré's Requiem at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

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After four years in Omaha, the University of Colorado Boulder provided the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Music Education. While at CU, Jason assisted in teaching undergraduate choral conducting courses, directed the Men's and Women's Choruses, assisted with the advanced ensembles, and was the chorus master for Eklund Opera productions and also for the Boulder Bach Festival in their performance of J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

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Dr. St. Claire returned to the valley in 2016 and began his Paradise Valley career teaching K-6 Music at Whispering Wind Academy. While at Whispering Wind, he grew the morning choir, directed a student-written version of Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and implemented a student-led independent study program in music that allowed students to explore music on the instrument of their choice, increasing engagement and musical interest of all students involved. His efforts with this earned an award of recognition by the United Parent Council.

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Dr. St. Claire looks forward to an exciting year at Pinnacle High School. Please contact him with any questions at jstclaire@pvschools.net.