MEET MARY BRANDENSTEIN

Mary Brandenstein is thrilled to step into the role as artistic director of Cheers, Madison! While originally hailing from the midwest, Mary spent the last decade in the Pacific Northwest. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Millikin University in 2011. While in Oregon, she taught middle school choir in the Salem Keizer School District and high school choir in the Hillsboro School District. After 6 years of teaching in Oregon, Mary embarked on her master's degree in choral conducting, in which she completed at the University of Oregon. Throughout her time teaching and attending school in Oregon, Mary held positions with the Oregon Bach Festival, the Oregon Music Educators Association committee, and numerous church choir positions. After 10 years, it was time to return to her Midwest roots, where she is pursuing her Doctorate in Choral Conducting at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Go Badgers! Mary and her wife, Kassi (and their Goldendoodle, Jo March) are thoroughly enjoying exploring their new home here in Madison. Cheers to making meaningful connections through music!