Episode #5 - Jen Schoener, music educator & nonprofit director

Jennifer Schoener, a Lancaster County native and dynamic Director of Educational Programming at the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation, sits down with us to share a multitude of aspects in her musical life.

Jen shares the fascinating story of how her parents met at WGAL8 as well as what it was like to grow up next door to Millersville University where she would later earn her Music Ed degree. She also reflects on her involvement with New Holland Band and the Elizabethtown Summer Music Camp and how they both had a great impact on her trajectory as a musician.

Great musical influences in her life included Jack Colangelo and Jean Romig from Millersville and Jere Fridy at Octorara HS who she accredits in an incredible (or incredulous?) story as the reason she didn't fail student teaching.

Listen to Jen's incredibly inspiring story of how her late husband's drive and passion helped fuel her own. She relays how the Brad Schoener Memorial Fund they created a month before his passing is the foundation from which the Music Man Academy was built. The Schoener Music Man Academy is a 7 week-long summer camp that includes a variety of affordable music workshops and lessons in the Upper Darby area.

Jen also retired in 2021 from the ELANCO school district after 30 years in her roles...inititally as their HS band director and eventually shifting to her role as elementary band director in the district.

We hope you enjoy Jen's incredible story!