Lilaha Lea Bolen
Music teacher
Kindergarten-Grade 5

Degrees:
Wichita State University, BME, 1966; MME, 1976

Work experience:
2001 to present, Wichita Montessori School
1966-1977, 1990-2000, Vocal Music Instructor, Coleman Middle School
1977-1989, Vocal Music Instructor, Shawnee Mission KS
Nominated three times for Excellence in Teaching Award

Philosophy:
“I am a firm believer that ‘there is a place in the choir for everyone who wants to sing.’ I believe in helping kids perform to the best of their ability at that time in their musical growth. Being “only” in the chorus IS a big deal—how many musicals such as The Music Man, Evita, Oklahoma, Bye Bye Birdie, Pajama Game to name only a few would be successful without the chorus. If we were all solo stars, there would be no one in the chorus. I feel fortunate in my 38th year of teaching kids and adults to love music to still be able to say I love what I am doing and I love my job—it’s the only job I ever wanted.”