Natalie has been the Director of Bands at Clarke N Johnson Junior High School since it opened in the fall of 2006. Previous to that, she started the 6th grade band program at Matherville 5th/6th grade center in Illinois, where she also taught k-6 general music. She began her teaching career in Las Vegas, at Fremont Middle School. Natalie is also the Conductor and Band Manager for the Tooele Valley Wind Ensemble.
Natalie grew up in this community. She obtained her Bachelors in Music Education from Southern Utah University and her Master's Degree in Music in Flute Performance from UNLV. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at UNLV, Natalie had the opportunity to study conducting, under Tad Suzuki and Tom Leslie. She also guest conducted the UNLV Wind Ensemble and oversaw the UNLV Flute Choir. While living in Las Vegas, Natalie played in a community band. Natalie often performed for various private occasions. Fer favorite was playing flute and harp duets. During her time in the Mid-West, Natalie played in the community orchestra at St. Ambrose University. She also arranged some musical numbers for the Joseph Smith celebration for the youth to perform.
She has since become an advocate for music and arts in her hometown community. Natalie is an active member in music with her work, volunteering with the local community band, and being a musician and conductor for the annual performance of the Messiah.
Natalie's primary instrument is flute, but as the needs have arisen, she ahs supported the TVWE through switching to French Horn and now conducting the group. Natalie has taught private flute and piano for years, but is currently taking a break while focusing on her children in the home. She would like to eventually get back to teaching private lessons.