Tammy Ragan is the new music teacher for Clearbrook-Gonvick
Tue, 10/04/2016 - 1:21pm
admin
Tammy Ragan is the new Elementary Music and Choir teacher in the Clearbrook-Gonvick School District. She is joined with Katrina Stewart, who has the Senior High Music and Band instructor.
Ragan is a summa cum laude graduate of South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD with degrees in vocal performance and music education. She has minors in French and Piano, Post Baccalaureate studies at St. Thomas, NDSU, and the University of Alberta-Edmonton.
She taught at Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley (CGB) Schools for 17 years where she taught K-12 Vocal and General Music, coached show choir, and directed the musical/one act plays. In addition to CGB, she taught music at Browns Valley, Hendricks in Minnesota and Geddes and Lake Andes in South Dakota.
When asked what made you decide to become a Teacher she replied, “My original plan was to sing opera professionally. However, in tutoring other music students and working with my students during student teaching, I found I really enjoyed the teaching side of making music. I love helping kids find joy in experiencing music whether it be through listening, performing or composing.
She was asked what her goals are for the school year? She replied, “My first goal is to learn a LOT of names!!! I hope people will find the music room to be inviting where a lot of exciting things can happen! Please drop in and introduce yourself even if you are not in choir!!! I hope to continue the great work of Mrs. Ehlers and Mrs. Stewart in the elementary program, and develop a choir program for grades 7-12.”
She was also asked, what do you hope to bring to Clearbrook-Gonvick and your students? Ragan replied, “I hope to bring a passion for the arts to our school and community. Music and the Arts are such an important part of becoming a well-rounded student and member of one’s community. The bonus is that there are SO MANY ways to experience and participate in music.”
Tammy Ragan is living in Fosston with her husband Pastor John Ragan. He is serving Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston. They have four children. Philip and his new wife, Krystal – Physics and Art Education graduate of UND, currently pursuing his Master’s at Southern Illinois University. Maggie – is a Middle School Music Teacher in Grand Rapids. Jack – Senior General University Studies Major at Moorhead State. Paul – Sophomore at SMSU in Marshall majoring in social studies, coaching and theatre. They also have a dog named Casey.