As previous choir director Juliana Pyle left the Marshfield school district last year, Kimberly Guilford has taken over the role.
Guilford has been teaching for 36 years at multiple schools and grade levels, and has taken her experience to help her with teaching at Marshfield.
“Any time you start a new school the first year is the first year, but my experience allows me to draw on that so that I come in a qualified teacher. I can teach kids, maybe I do things differently than a prior teacher, but all that wisdom and knowledge comes with you.” she said.
She initially went to college to become a doctor, but after spending her first year “miserable” and having music be an important part of her life, she decided to become a K-12 music educator in both band and choir. She initially stayed away from a career in music as she was worried it would just become a job for her instead of an enjoyment, but loves her job despite all the ups and downs.
Guilford has taught a variety of classes, from K-12 vocal music and vocal instrumental, to even teaching both band and choir for all grades at some schools before just becoming a high school choir director.
From the start of the semester she has a monthly plan for what she wants to teach, but as she spends time working on songs with the students, she sees which ones work and are a good fit for them. As she does that she also starts planning out individual portions and forming music for their concerts.
While originally living in Columbia, Guilford decided she wasn’t ready to retire just yet, and began looking for middle school or high school level jobs with Marshfield being the one to offer her a position.
Once she retires she plans on moving to Branson with her husband, but for now outside of school she makes all kinds of cards, making birthday ones for all of her choir students, as well as watching Cardinals games and singing the national anthem for Mizzou athletics. Whenever she’s able to find the free time in her schedule, Guilford also enjoys spending time camping outdoors.
