Nebo’s Fine Arts Specialist, Julie Christofferson, Inducted into UMEA Hall of Fame

Julie began teaching music in the summer of 1976 helping with the Jr. High feeder school marching band (Mt. Jordan Jr. High) to her assigned school; Jordan High. The previous year Jordan had only 13 students involved in any kind of instrumental music.  There was nowhere to go but up.  Thanks to a very kind, mentoring choir teacher, Rod Zabriskie, building the program was less intimidating.  The concert/marching band eventually grew to 80 and the jazz, orchestra, and guitar numbers were solid; and Jordan High boasted the first AP Music Class in the Salt Lake Valley. That led to some opportunities to present at College Board events, and helping others learn to begin AP Music programs. Julie left to open West Jordan High in 1981.  During that time she had the opportunity to be more deeply involved with UMEA as Band Vice-President. While still serving in that position, in 1991 she moved to Bingham High. In 1998 she moved to the “new” Jordan High in 1998, this time as an assistant principal.  

In 1999, she moved to the Jordan District Office as the Fine Arts and Healthy Lifestyles Consultant.  Though she tried to get the sign on her office to read “Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll,” the district declined.  In 2006, Julie “retired” from Jordan District after 30 years and began a rewarding 14 year tenure at Nebo School District supporting arts education as the K-12 Fine Arts Specialist.  Nebo was looking for ways to provide arts for all children district wide. With much planning by committees and administration, the GAINS (Growing Arts in Nebo Schools) program was born.  It currently features 9 experienced Beverly Taylor Sorenson instructional coaching specialists that assist district elementary classroom teachers integrate all curriculum using music, art, dance and drama.  Hundreds of arts integrated and infused lessons are now being taught in Nebo elementary classrooms by their regular teachers. During those combined administrative years Julie served as the Jordan District Liaison for the 2002 Olympics (also a volunteer athlete driver).  She served on the NFHS Music Committee for the National Federation of High Schools during 2005-08 as Section 7 representative (Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California and Hawaii), as well as serving on the Utah High School Activities Association Music Committee for several years. 

Additionally she has been involved in writing numerous grants for PE and Fine Arts for both districts, involving well over a million dollars to schools in Jordan and Nebo districts combined.  She’s created or been a part of numerous staff development activities presented in various workshops, conferences and other events, both in and out of state. Julie has kept musically active during these “non-teaching” years as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor. She stayed involved with UMEA (Advocacy Chair, then as President).   In addition she published several original compositions and arrangements for brass quintet and quartet (BVD Press and Cimmeron) as well as a CD (Pastoral Sketches) and mini CD (The Spirit of Christmas), and continues to enjoy arranging and composing music.

“My first association with UMEA was as a Junior at Brighton High in the fall of 1970 and being selected to play second trumpet in the All-State Orchestra conducted by Carmen Dragon.  It was a thrilling experience, especially when he told us his son (Daryl ) was the “Captain” of the popular Captain and Tennille duo and a former Beach Boy.  Our conductor was the father of a rock star!  Then we discovered through working with this great man, what an awesome composer and conductor he was in his own right, as we deepened our musicianship immeasurably.  We ended that 1970 All-State Grand Festival Concert with the combined choir and orchestra performing his iconic arrangement of America the Beautiful.  Wow! This experience was enabled through my wonderful band teacher, Alfred S. (Bob) Morris, who saw something special in an awkward 16 year old female trumpet player (What? Unheard of! A girl?)  That year, All-State was combined and held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle in conjunction with the UEA Conference. Senior year I was fortunate to play second trumpet in the orchestra again under Lawrence Sardoni.  The choir guest that year was Jester Harrison!  I sat in awe listening to the choirs and bands as they also performed to a packed house both years.  These music teachers who put this together were some kind of miracle workers! UMEA is cool!  The magic continued through university studies at BYU with countless mentors and dedicated music educators.

While being a member and observing UMEA progress over a 44 year span, I’ve seen amazing organizational growth and learned much about being a music educator from mentors and peers. To have become a part of it and served in a wide variety of capacities, it has been artistically and professionally nourishing. Now is a unique time when collaboration is encouraged and facilitated in the education profession.  Teachers of all ages and experience levels can learn from and support each other as they serve the children of Utah in a most satisfying and culturally important way.  Opportunities abound through the music education profession.  Students need these opportunities and outlets. Every program is unique based on students, community and teacher.  We can learn much from each other as long as we don’t try to BE each other.  Embrace your unique programs and continually strive to help students in your care succeed and discover the beauty, comfort and power of music. I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by this special group of peers!  So many of you have influenced me so positively!  Thank you especially to my dear husband Tim and children, Lisa and Matthew, who have been supportive and patient beyond measure for many years!”

The trumpets have not stayed in their cases too long as Julie has continued to perform with numerous groups over the years, some of which include, Jordan Youth Symphony, Utah Youth Symphony, Mormon Youth Symphony, BYU Wind Ensemble, BYU Philharmonic, Synthesis, BYU Jazz Lab, Cougar Marching Band, Northern Utah Honor Band, Salt Lake Symphony, Gabriel (trumpet ensemble), Tabernacle Choir, Top Brass Quintet and others.  She’s subbed with Utah Premier Brass, Utah Symphony and many other groups. She also has enjoyed conducting numerous church choirs, perhaps the most invigorating, a Regional Choir in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, the West Jordan City Band, Jordan Symphony Orchestra and currently enjoys conducting duties with the Nebo Youth Philharmonic, Murray Symphony and Cityjazz Big Band.

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