Artistic & Musical Directors
Mrs. Eileen Keller
Artistic Director
Director of Tyros (K-2)
Eileen Keller has been selected to follow Dr. Kristen Albert as the next Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus Artistic Director, beginning in the fall of 2012. Mrs. Keller will continue as the director of the Tyros in the Children’s Chorus. She has been with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus since the Tyros choir debuted in 2009. In that time, the Tyros has grown in numbers and in musicianship. Eileen Keller teaches music K-6 at Renaissance Academy Charter School in Phoenixville, PA. She is also the Elementary Chorus director and Fine Arts Lead Teacher at her school. Mrs. Keller received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from West Chester University School of Music. As part of her Master’s Degree, she earned her Level III Kodaly certification.Mrs. Keller is an active member of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators (OAKE). She has directed choir performances at numerous events, including the 6ABC Thanksgiving Parade, The Camden Riversharks, and The Reading Phillies. Mrs. Keller has led numerous professional development workshops in both music education and leadership development. Mrs. Keller has exposed her choral students to service learning performances in the local community. At the request of local universities, she has mentored and educated numerous music education students and interns to prepare them for their own careers in music education. Of great importance to Mrs. Keller is helping students gain musical literacy through Kodaly teaching techniques, to facilitate understanding of the significance of folk songs and their tie to a time, people, and place in history, and awakening her students to the emotional impact of music.
Dr. Danielle Cullen
Director of Ensemble (3-5)
Danielle M. Cullen has been teaching elementary general music in the Downingtown Area School District since 2001. Danielle’s degrees include a Bachelor’s degree in Music education (West Chester University, 2001), a Master’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Kodály (West Chester University, 2006), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education (Temple University, 2018). Danielle has certifications in Kodály, Orff, and Music Learning Theory. In addition to teaching in Downingtown, Danielle served as an adjunct professor at Immaculata University, as clarinet professor and teaching undergraduate music education majors, and at University of the Arts, teaching graduate students as part of their summer music studies program. As clinician, Danielle has presented sessions for Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) state conferences as well as local district professional development workshops.
Most recently Danielle served as chair for the PMEA Professional Development Council and is currently serving as part of the Professional Development Committee for PMEA District 12. As a clarinetist, Danielle is a member of the Chester County Pops Orchestra, the New Holland Band, and the Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds. Danielle has also performed with the Delaware County Symphony Orchestra, the Mainline Symphony, the Immaculata Symphony, and the Greenleigh Chorale. As a freelance musician, Danielle has performed for various local musicals, including shows at Barley Sheaf Theater, YPTW in Swarthmore and the Media Theater, as well as local high school and middle school productions.
Mr. Kevin McAllister
Associate Artistic Director
Director of Chorus & Bel Canto (6-12+)
Kevin McAllister is the K-5 General Music/Chorus teacher at West Bradford Elementary in the Downingtown Area School District. Prior to working at West Bradford, he taught General Music and Chorus for three years at Hillcrest Elementary in the Upper Darby School District.
Mr. McAllister received his B.M in Music Education from West Chester University and is currently pursuing a M.M. in Music Education with a Kodály emphasis from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. McAllister is an active member of the Pennsylvania Music Educator Association, and the Organization of American Kodály Educators.
