ABOUT Ms. Miles-LoRussoLena Miles-LoRusso is the choir, general music, and theatre teacher at East. She received her Bachelor's Degrees in Music Education and Music Composition from Michigan State University.
Ms. Miles-LoRusso is passionate about teaching music. She is a member of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association and is the co-founder of Performing Arts Workshops - PAW, Inc. in Southwest Michigan. She has served as director and music director of musicals at East. She has also directed at Performing Arts Workshops and In The Mitten Productions. Ms. Miles-LoRusso is also a vocalist and enjoys performing musical theatre, rock, and opera music. She also composes and has written for several vocal and instrumental ensembles and short films. When not teaching or making music, Ms. Miles-LoRusso enjoys traveling, enjoying nature, and spending time with friends, family, her husband Matt, and her cat MuShu. |
MS. Miles-LoRusso's Teaching PhilosophyI believe that music is a vital part of a student’s well-rounded education. All students can and should receive a musical foundation in school.
Through music, students develop skills in critical thinking, communication, self-expression and identity, sense of community, confidence, and open-mindedness. As a music teacher, I hope to provide opportunities for my students that will foster learning these skills. I will do this by creating a safe learning environment, providing a variety of musical experiences, invoking creative thinking, and assessing student learning to inform instruction. My goal is to help my students become lifelong music appreciators who value music in their own lives. |