DIRECTOR

A native of Chesterfield, Virginia, Heather Glynn Andre began her career in music education when she opened the Cosby High School choral program in the fall of 2006. Under her direction, the program has grown exponentially to accommodate approximately 240 students in seven choirs under two choral directors. The ensembles include: a treble concert choir, a treble accompanied ensemble, a treble a cappella group, a tenor/bass ensemble, an elite mixed chamber ensemble; a mixed show choir, Spotlight, and a treble show choir, Rhapsody. Her choirs have earned consistent superior ratings in musicianship and performance since the establishment of the choral program. Both Rhapsody and Spotlight have received national recognition with numerous awards and grand championships. Ms. Andre serves the greater music education community as a guest clinician working with choirs across the country. Ms. Andre is grateful to be surrounded by a fantastic team of colleagues, boosters, and students who make the Cosby Choral Department an environment which fosters young singers to go above and beyond in regards to performance, musicianship, sportsmanship, inclusion, and community.

Ms. Andre holds a Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in voice from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She inherited her lifelong passion for teaching choral music from her mother, a retired elementary music teacher and vocalist. Ms. Andre was recognized with the R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017 and 2022 in which she was granted financial support to study the foundation of a cappella singing throughout western Europe. Ms. Andre currently resides in Chesterfield, Virginia with her daughter, and is a proud member of the Cosby community she serves.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

A Cosby High School Choral Department Alumni, Ella Mort is in her Fifth year teaching alongside her previous Choral Director, Heather Andre. She is currently the Choral Director for two of Cosby's Treble Auditioned Choirs, Serenade - an unaccompanied Treble Chamber Choir, and Vivace - an accompanied Treble Choir. She also teaches a Technology Assisted Music Class at Cosby, which allows her to teach a variety of students. Along with these two choirs and class, Ella is also the Assistant Director of both of the Auditioned Show Choirs, Spotlight and Rhapsody. Working with the choral groups and in the program that inspired her to begin her own Music Education journey has been an inspirational beginning to her teaching experience. She is grateful to the students, parents, and Ms. Andre for welcoming her back into the Cosby Choral Department with open arms. This school year, Ms. Mort became a Full Time teacher, splitting her time between Cosby and Thomas Dale High School. There, she is a Specialty Center of the Performing Arts Teacher, works with all of the vocal students in the Specialty Center, and teaches a Music Technology class. Ms. Mort has loved getting to work with two different schools and programs this year!

Ms. Mort holds a Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in voice from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Raised by two musicians, she found her passion for singing and teaching at a young age. Her mother, being a Piano Teacher and Elementary School Music Teacher; and her Father, being a drummer. She was a previous Instructor at School of Rock of Midlothian, and has a deep love for classic rock music.

Ella resides in Midlothian, Virginia with her Golden Retriever furbaby, Archie.

CHOREOGRAPHER

Jason Peace is a show choir choreographer based out of Richmond, VA. He has studied dance and performance techniques for 30 years. He is well versed in many different dance styles including Tap, Jazz, Swing, Ballroom, Hip Hop and Theatre (Broadway). As a performer, Jason has performed in operas, musicals and professionally in various theme park shows. Obtaining a Bachelors of Music from James Madison University with a vocal concentration has given him the unique insight and knowledge of vocal production/technique that is rare to find in accomplished show choir choreographers. Jason continues to refine his choreography, dance and performance skills through various dance classes and performances. He currently choreographs and designs shows for mixed and women’s show choirs. Throughout 15 years as a show choir choreographer, his groups have captured many best choreography and show design awards. His groups have consistently placed in the top of their division and have garnered Grand Champion awards. Jason’s energy and love for what he does is infectious and inspires students to work at their greatest potential.