Kelly Eisenhour Teaches Students How to Find Their Passion

By: Jase Wanlass
Staff Writer

From native drums to complex symphonies; music inspires, uplifts, and entertains, but the work that goes into its execution is something entirely separate to behold on its own.

For Green River College’s tenured Choral Director Kelly Eisenhour, music is far more than simply jamming in the car or singing in the shower. She holds multiple degrees in the field of music. She also has experience being a professional jazz vocalist, live stage singer, and recording artist. Luckily for Green River students, she is a dedicated music instructor who pushes her students to succeed.

“I started piano lessons at 8 years old and also realized I could sing about the same time. It seemed to all come very easy for me and I loved it,” Eisenhour said.

She continued to pursue her love and talent for music into middle school and high school, where she accompanied many choirs and sang many solos. A fond memory she looks back on is the time that she was a senior in high school when she wrote a song, arranged it for their concert choir, and then directed it herself.

Eisenhour has always been very interested in singing, writing music, and playing piano. However, her real knack is performing.

“I learned early on that I had a talent for music, and it seemed a given all my life that that’s what I would do as a career. I started singing in jazz clubs when I was 19 in my hometown of Tucson, AZ. I met some musicians who played gigs and it was a natural progression to start working with them,” she said.

Afterward, Eisenhour paved her way into the music industry through hard work, dedication, and passion. She studied 2 years at the University of Arizona as a music major before she went across the country to Boston as a vocal performance major at Berklee College of Music. Following her time at Berklee, Eisenhour took her talents to Las Vegas where she worked in various shows and made a living as a singer, including touring as a backup singer with Gladys Knight.

Eisenhour continued to use her talents to make a name for herself as a prolific jazz vocalist. She’s worked with various artists, and even produces albums and songs that are now featured on iTunes and Spotify. Previously, her album “Seek and Find,” featuring Bob Mintzer, reached #14 on the JazzWeek charts and received continuous airplay for seven months after release.

In 1997, Eisenhour moved to Utah and began to teach as a private voice teacher with a studio of around 30 students before being asked to direct the Brigham Young University Jazz Choir as an adjunct professor in 1999. During her time in Utah, she discovered her deep passion for teaching, a desire and love she was previously unaware of.

“I discovered that I really loved teaching and directing choirs from this experience, and I decided to go to the University of Utah and get my master’s degree to be able have the credentials to teach full-time,” said Eisenhour.

Eisenhour graduated from the University of Utah and accepted the full-time position of Choral Director at Green River College in 2008, where she has continued to help students develop their love and talent for music. Currently, she teaches four classes at Green River: Music Appreciation (MUSC&105), Vocal Coaching (MUSC125), Concert Choir (MUSC118), and a more advanced performing choir for those with experience (MUSC127).

“I have the class in the morning so it’s a good way to start my day,” said Taylor Smith, a student in Eisenhour’s Concert Choir Class. “I’ve learned a lot of tips about becoming a better singer. She teaches with a lot of excitement too, which makes the class that much more enjoyable.”

Coming full circle from a student of music, to a music professional, to a music educator, is a journey that Eisenhour has greatly enjoyed. She feels every step of her journey gave her the knowledge and purpose needed to inspire others to pursue their love for music. “I think I bring an enthusiasm for music, and a love of teaching that hopefully inspires my students,” said Eisenhour.

“I enjoy helping students master their skills as a singer and performer, and my background as a professional singer gives me the expertise to help shape and guide that journey in an effective way.”

Eisenhour’s passion will not only inspire her students to learn the basics and technical work of singing as an art form, but also teach them to carry her philosophy of following one’s ambitions in order to build the foundations of a fulfilling and exciting life career. While following one’s dream may be difficult, Eisenhour proves that it is possible.

Photo Cred: Steve Korn Photograpy