NAME:
Susan Benefield
SCHOOL:
Carson High School
CLASSES:
Choir I/II, Concert Choir, Musical Theater (Beg, Int. Adv)
SCHOOL PHONE:
775-283-1778
Originally from Fairbanks, AK, Susan moved to Nevada in 1993 to
attend UNR. She graduated in 1998 with a BM in Music Education. During her
undergraduate work at UNR, Mrs. Sonnemaker was a member of the UNR Chamber
Singers, Concert Choir and Symphonic Chorus with Dr. Bruce Mayhall. Ms.
Benefield is also completing an MM in Choral Conducting through California
State University in Los Angeles where she studied with Dr. Don Brinegar
(voice and conducting) and Dr. William Belan (conducting).
Having taught in K-12 positions in Nevada and Indiana, Ms. Benefield has
been an adjudicator and clinician for solo and ensemble festivals and honor
choirs throughout her career.
Ms. Benefield is an avid performer and sought after musical director. She
is an active member of the Nevada Opera Chorus, having recently been seen in
roles from Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld" (Venus) and Gilbert and
Sullivan's "The Mikado" (Pitti-Sing). Ms. Benefield sings with the Tocatta
Orchestra at Lake Tahoe having recently been the Mezzo-Soprano soloist for
Bach's "Mass in b minor" this August. She is also the Musical
Director for the Brewary Arts Center Summerstock program and the Nevada
Opera Youth Chorus (NOYC). Her favorite performing roles include "Mrs.
Lovett" in
Sweeney Todd, "Reno Sweeney" in Anything Goes and "Winifred" in Once Upon a
Mattress.
She loves her position at Carson High School where she directs the Musical
Theater program, Concert Choir, Intermediate Choir, Chamber Singers and
Capitol Stars show choir.
1. Be on time and ready to learn each day.
2. Be prepared for class each day.
3. Be respectful of each other, teacher and all property.
4. Have fun WHILE learning!!
