NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
MASTERS OF MUSIC EDUCATION
Mission Statement
It is my goal to nurture the musical skills and academic knowledge of my students so that they may create music musically. I aim to build a safe environment that will encourage a sense of community, pride, and belonging. And I strive to create opportunities and experiences that will instill a lifelong love of music.
ABOUT ME
My name is Sheri (Sherlyn) J. Holt and I have had the privilege to live in a variety of places ranging from Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, New York, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, and finally, South Dakota. My father was in the military and then went into the ministry so we moved much in my younger years but I view those as growth opportunities and experiences that helped mold me into who I am today. I attended Wolsey Schools from fifth grade through the middle of my sophomore year and then our family moved to Mitchell. I graduated from Mitchell High School and moved to the Twin Cities to study teaching and my to grow in my love and knowledge of music. I graduated with my undergraduate degree from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, with a BA in elementary education, a liberal music minor, a school music concentration, and as a commissioned minister of teaching endorsement.
My first teaching job was in Richfield, Minnesota at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Schools where I taught third grade and ran their music program. From there I did the same job for Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School in Eagan, Minnesota. After four years in Eagan, I received a phone call from a Lutheran School in Pagosa Springs, Colorado so my family and I moved to Colorado for six years! I taught in a combined classroom setting at Our Savior Lutheran School and also served as principal for three years while also running their music program!
In 2007, I moved back to South Dakota and worked as a Reading Specialist at May Overby in Aberdeen. In 2008 I taught K-12 vocal music in Colman/Egan Schools. And for the past nine years I have been the vocal music teacher of Sioux Valley Schools in Volga, South Dakota. At Sioux Valley I oversee JK-1st grade music, teach grades 2-5 general music, direct 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choirs, as well as high school concert choir and select high school ensembles. This is my tenth year at Sioux Valley Schools.
I have three children and five step-children and I have also been blessed with nine grandchildren! I love to read, play piano, sing, share my passion for music, and I even find time for a little archery hunting and canoeing!
CONTACT INFORMATION
21782 457TH AVE
ARLINGTON, SD 57212
Work email: sheri.holt@k12.sd.us
NSU email: sheri.holt@wolves.nothern.edu
Tel: 605-695-1743