Shell T.

Shell is an exuberant pianist, experienced bell-ringer, and passionate advocate for inclusive, accessible children's music education. The joy of playing with tones and chords was first discovered playing with their grandmother’s piano as a young child, continued by their mother teaching them how to read sheet music during the first grade. They then went on to take lessons in the Little Rock public school system and privately. This would culminate in an array of musical accomplishments and commitments: playing at the Governor's Mansion for the Governor's Scholastic Honors Day while in high school, receiving multiple scholarships to Inspiration Point Fine Arts Camp, performing in the pit orchestra at Parkview High, playing piano for the Hendrix orchestra, frequent collaborations with singers and instrumentalists, and serving as a section leader for the Praeclara Ringers. While Shell has enjoyed all of their music ventures, they especially value the opportunities they've had to introduce young folks to the creativity and joy that comes from playing music both independently and in a group. Shell worked as an assistant at Second Presbyterian Church’s ORFF Camp, assisted with Second Presbyterian Church’s MAD Music, Arts, Drama Camp, and also provided musical accompaniment and support to the Second Presbyterian Church’s children’s choir from 2016 to 2020. Shell contributed to the inclusivity of Second Presbyterian’s youth music activities by helping provide accommodations that ensured that each student was able to engage with music, socialize with their peers, and participate in group activities comfortably. During this period of time, Shell also offered private introductory piano lessons. As a musical educator, Shell prefers to incorporate elements of the Orff Process into their teaching style. This approach focuses on creative, experiential musical learning that meets students at their level. Play, movement, acting, and storytelling are mixed together in a comfortable setting to foster a rich environment for understanding musical concepts beyond their definitions-students learn to follow their musical intuition and apply those skills in dynamic, explorative play. As an educator, Shell prioritizes the development of their students’ confidence in their creativity and musical potential. Shell currently sings in the FUMC Little Rock Chancel Choir and is a four-in-hand ringer in the FUMC Little Rock Center Street Ringers. Shell will begin attending UCA's School of Music during the Fall 2025 semester, focusing their efforts on finishing a degree in Piano Pedagogy. In their free time, Shell finds inspiration in a wide range of musical artists: Mozart, Chopin, Andrew Bird, David Bowie, Florence Welch, and many more. They look forward to learning with you soon!