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Having completed her doctoral degree in music education at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Walker holds a master’s of music degree from Indiana University, where she studied with the former International Association for Jazz Education president, David N. Baker. She graduated magna cum laude from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, earning dual degrees in music theory and voice. The first student to produce a thesis as part of the undergraduate theory degree, she presented a lecture/recital of Debussy’s Trois Chansons di Bilitis, which she also performed at Illinois Central College. Dr. Walker returned to Baldwin Wallace in 1994 at the request for her former voice coach, Miss Sophie Ginn-Paster, to present a recital of her own jazz arrangements, which were performed by the BWC Jazz Band, under the direction of Greg Banszak.
Additionally, Ms. Walker has completed the Teacher Training Institute, sponsored by the International Association for Jazz Education and Music Educators National Conference and has earned her Kodaly Level I Certification. She participated as a vocalist/conductor at the Phil Mattson Summer Jazz Workshop in 2000, and also holds memberships in several honor societies, including Phi Kappa Phi and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Throughout her education, Dr. Walker worked as a professional musician, opening for such national artists as Willie Nelson, John Hammond, Jr., The Mills Brothers, and The Four Lads. She performed at the inauguration of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, the dedication of the Bilandic Building in Chicago, and is a frequent guest artist with the Orlando Concert Band. No stranger to the stage, she also appeared in the Midwest touring production of Gary Trudeau’s satiric revue of the Reagan administration, "Rap Master Ronnie," and the world premiere of African-American composer Leslie Adams’ cantata, "The Righteous Man," based upon the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Upon completing her master’s degree, Ms. Walker was appointed Fleet Vocalist for the United States Navy Band. She lived in Naples, Italy during her four-year tour, appearing with jazz and rock bands in more than 25 countries throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Her arranging and performing skills brought her many awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal. Particularly notable concerts included the Rose of Tralee Festival in Ireland, Rome Jazz Festival, and Carnavale in Nice, France.
Returning to the United States, Ms. Walker founded the East Central University Jazz Choir in Ada, Oklahoma. In just three years’ time, the group hosted such jazz artists as Yamaha trumpeter Dominic Spera, David Baker, the 145th Oklahoma Army National Guard Band, and Navy Band MIDSOUTH. Their crowing achievement was an invitation to appear at Phil Mattson’s 5th Annual Vocal Jazz Festival at Carnegie Hall in April, 2001. To fund the trip, she produced the university’s first original recording, and was honored with sizeable grants from The Harmony Foundation, The Chickasaw Foundation, and the ECU Foundation.
Dr. Walker maintains an active professional profile outside the classroom as well. She has presented research at the annual conference of the International Association for Jazz Education in 2004, 2002, and 1999; manuscripts from those studies can be found in the IAJE Annual Research Proceedings. Additionally, her findings have been distributed through the College Music Society, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Ohio Music Educators Association, and Pacific Northwest Music Conference. She has given workshops on vocal improvisation and rehearsal techniques at the Illinois Music Educators Association, Oklahoma state meeting of IAJE, Allerton Retreat for Choral Music Education, Little Dixie Festival, and the ECU Piano Camp. She has also addressed the Society of Composers, Inc. and Oklahoma Music Educators Association. Her arrangements are carried by the prestigious University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press and Really Good Music, and she reviews new jazz releases for the quarterly journal of International Alliance for Women in Music.
My least favorite sound is that of my own voice in a classroom. Classes are constructed on a multidimensional platform to include activities in listening, eurhythmics, visual presentations, small group work, healthy disagreements, and fun. This is not a “sit and absorb” environment – all students are encouraged to participate.
Hobbies? Who has time? I enjoy travel - especially throughout the Mediterranean region - wine and fine dining, and scuba diving. I intend to become more visible as a performer in the next few years, and possibly to produce recordings of myself as a soloist in both jazz and concert repertoire. Who says you can’t have it all?!