Denise Gilliland Bio

Denise Gilliland


Denise Gilliland began her teaching career in the Houston, Texas area in 1982, marking this, her thirty-eighth year teaching children and youth. Her earliest experiences were rich with multiethnic students who helped to shape her appreciation for the uniqueness of every child and culture. She is honored to hold the position of Artistic Director for Children’s Choir of Huntington County, where she directs both the Children’s Choir and Joyful Songsters.

Denise is a frequent clinician for Circle the State with Song festivals and has presented at the Indiana Music Educator’s convention. She is past director of the Lafayette Children’s Choir in Lafayette, Indiana and retired from teaching elementary music at Rossville Elementary in Rossville, IN. She was recognized as “Most Outstanding Elementary Music Educator” by IMEA in 2011. Her arrangement of “And the Angels Sang” was published by Hal Leonard Corporation, and premiered by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, under the direction of Joshua Pedde.

Denise’s master’s degree in choral conducting was earned at Butler University. As a certified Kodaly music educator, she studied privately with renowned conductors Henry Leck and Eric Stark. She resides on her grandfather’s farm in Whitley County with her husband Mark, son Weaver and grandson Matthias.

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