About
Biography
Sarah Ochoa is a classically trained singer, composer, choral music educator in South Carolina. She earned her BM in Vocal Performance from Winthrop University in 2022 and a M.A.T. Music degree from the same institution in 2024. She is the chorus teacher at Chester High School in Chester, South Carolina. She is a member of community and professional choirs in the Rock Hill and Charlotte, area: Inspirar, Caritas, and Reprise. She began composing while still in undergraduate school and has composed piano, choral, and orchestral compositions. Her style has been regarded as postmodern and eclectic.
- TGE-Inclusive Educator
Teaching Philosophy
As a choral music educator, I support each and every one of my students by ensuring that they receive a high-quality choral education. My lesson objectives are aligned to the South Carolina Choral Music Standards. I teach them how to read music, learn about vocal mechanisms, sing a variety of repertoire, learn music theory, and develop a growth mindset. I conduct myself with professionalism and respect toward all of my students and colleagues. As an educator in a democratic society, I believe that all students have the right to education, regardless of race, cultural background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. My role includes protecting these rights and creating an environment that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and mutual respect. I have the right to advocate for equal access to education for all students. This includes addressing systemic inequalities that limit their educational opportunities. In addition, I am responsible for creating a learning environment that promotes educational approaches that foster critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement. These approaches support students in becoming engaged members of our democratic processes while also achieving academic success. I want to dedicate as much time as possible to getting to know my students. I'm interested in learning about a student's musical background, personal goals, interests, and preferred teaching styles. My students learn that their voices are unique and cannot be changed. Their technique, on the other hand, can be reshaped and refined. Students will discover that, while their approach may have flaws, it is improved through consistent and effective practice. They will learn to value their voice. To expose my students to a range of cultures, they perform a variety of linguistically and culturally diverse repertoire. We will perform choral works from various musical periods, such as the modern, romantic, baroque, renaissance, and medieval eras. In an effort to stay current with social events, my students will perform music repertoire that addresses them. Students will learn the elements of music so that they can read and analyze music. Using their music theory skills, they will have the opportunity to compose and arrange music on their own. Students will have plenty of performance opportunities to help them develop their vocal and ensemble skills, such as performing solo and group ensemble compositions in concerts, honors choruses, and in class performances. As a dedicated choral music educator, I am committed to providing a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment in which every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their musical potential. By aligning lesson objectives with state standards, promoting a growth mindset, and advocating for equal access to education, I intend to foster in my students not only musical skills but also critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement.