Ms. Kathleen Jagielski

 I am so excited to return to Trailside Middle School! This is my sixteenth year as a vocal music teacher. I have previously taught at Central Middle School in Annapolis, MD (Choral/General Music 6-8), Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in Hagerstown, MD  (Voice lessons, Voice class, Opera Workshop, German and French Lyric Diction 9-12), and Westlake High School in Waldorf, MD (Chorus and Class Piano 9-12). I have also taught voice and piano lessons privately for Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC and Musical Expressions in Bethesda, MD.

I received my Bachelor's in Music Education with a minor in Psychology from Shenandoah University here in Virginia. I also received my Master's of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Music has been a large part of my life since elementary school when my mother found me at my friend's piano playing a song with both hands at the same time. She realized I had some potential and immediately got me into piano lessons. I started voice lessons in high school and from there, my love of singing took over and that's what I have been doing since! Growing up, I performed in many plays and musicals and as I continued to grow as a musician and a singer, my passion took me to classical choral music and opera. I have performed as an ensemble member and soloist with The Washington Chorus, Hagerstown Choral Arts Society, Summer Opera Theatre Company, Bel Cantanti Opera Company, The Washington Savoyards, Hub Opera Ensemble, and currently not only perform with, but work as the Assistant Conductor with The City Choir of Washington. 

When I'm not working on music, I channel my energy into physical fitness, cooking, reading, and eating chocolate. I fell in love with long- distance running when I was in college. To this date, I have completed 24 marathons and countless races of shorter distances from 5ks to metric marathons. I have a life-long goal to run a marathon in every state in the US (and maybe some different countries too.) I'm nowhere near elite level! I just love running and challenging myself.

I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and have lived all over Maryland. However, I currently reside in Sterling, VA with my dog Asher and I love living in Virginia!!  I am truly looking forward to another exciting year here at Trailside and can't wait to have my students sing for the TMS community throughout this school year!