About Jenny Hanson
Jenny holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois, a Special Education Endorsement from Aurora University and a…Masters in Biology from Project Dragonfly at Miami University…? If you are looking for someone passionate about life-long learning, you found her!
Even when going through school, she couldn’t choose between playing clarinet and singing, so she traded in her study hall for both and threw in musical theatre and marching band for fun. Placed in both the top ensembles for band and choir as a freshman at Geneva High School, Jenny’s love for the arts only grew as she participated in All-State, Jazz Choir and proudly earned Drum Major.
While at U of I Jenny had the privilege of playing in some of the university’s top ensembles such as Wind Symphony and Wind Orchestra, as well as the Marching Illini, Basketball Band and Clarinet Choir. Her favorite playing and overall college experience was no doubt the Marching Illini under the direction of Dr. Peter Griffin and subsequently Barry L. Houser.
She also sang in a number of choirs and vocal groups and continued performing theatrically. Following college, Jenny taught both formally and informally in a variety of school districts and capacities before taking a hiatus from the music and teaching world to see where her deep love of animals and conservation would take her.
Jenny now works as a Naturalist at Red Oak Nature Center and has the joy of providing environmental education to learners of all ages. She adores spending time with friends/family, and loves coming home to her two dogs, mini-jungle of rescue animals, and whichever reptiles she happens to be sitting, rehabilitating or fostering at the time.
Every step of her journey has been enjoyable and this excitement of discovery and learning is what she brings to each lesson and student interaction. While she is experienced in practice techniques and will help each player grow towards their musical goals, Jenny believes that having a fun time learning and fostering a connection with their instrument is the most valuable part!