Position at Unity: I have the pleasure of teaching within the music department at Unity Christian High School—directing orchestral and choral music. I direct and lead five different ensembles: String Orchestra, Concert Choir, Chorale, Knight Sounds, and the women’s Treble Choir. I am also privileged to work alongside Janie VanDyke and coach students for the school’s musical productions.

Professional and Educational Background:I graduated from Dordt College in December 2010 with a B.A. in K-12 Choral and Instrumental Music Education and a minor in Clarinet Performance. Graduating mid-year I was able to gain practical classroom experience as a substitute teacher in the Summit Hill School District in Frankfort, IL. Now, after a semester of substitute teaching, I am thrilled to officially begin my teaching career at Unity Christian High School.

In addition to teaching, I am also an avid performer. During my time at Dordt College I served as principal clarinetist of the Dordt College Concert Band and was a member of the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra, the Dordt College Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir and Kantorei. I was also privileged to serve as a piano accompanist for vocal and instrumental students, as well as the Concert Choir. In addition to performing within the Music Department at Dordt College, I was also selected as the 2008 and 2010 winner of the Cherokee Young Artist Concerto Competition, performing on clarinet with the Cherokee Symphony Orchestra. Back home in the Chicago area I was active as a freelance musician and have enjoyed performing with the Joliet Junior College Community Band, the Wheaton Municipal Band and the Chicago Classical Symphony Orchestra. Vocally I am avid lover of barbershop harmony and enjoyed four years of active membership with the Midwest Crossroads Chorus in Joliet, IL. In high school I performed extensively in a Young Women in Harmony Barbershop quartet and placed 4th at the International Rising Star Competition in Greenville, South Carolina.

Childhood and Family Background: I grew up in Frankfort, Illinois—a suburb about 45-minutes southwest of Chicago. I love the Chicago area and Frankfort will always be near and dear to my heart. Daughter of Keith and Lauren LeMahieu, I am the middle child of three girls. Music has always been a part of my life and I guess you could say I come from a musical family. My Dad is a devoted lover of music and my Mom is a private piano and trumpet instructor. My sisters are also active musically and we have often been called the Von Trapp family singers. It is not unusual to find all five LeMahieus performing in various venues and settings together.

Church Life: I am currently a communicate member at New Covenant Community, OPC in New Lenox, Illinois. I have been worshiping at New Covenant Community Church since its founding as a mission work in 1995 and have been an active member of the church since 2002. I am now incredibly blessed to relocate to a community where the reformed faith is strong and alive and look forward to transferring my membership to one of the local churches.

Life Outside of Unity: Aside from teaching music at Unity I enjoy a variety of different activities and hobbies. I love the outdoors and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, biking, canoeing, camping and tennis. I also love to travel. I enjoy taking long road trips throughout the states and traveling abroad. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and always look forward to any opportunity to get together. Additional hobbies include: reading, scrapbooking, crafting, crocheting, and juggling.

Why I teach At Unity: I had the opportunity to student teach in both public and Christian schools. Upon completion of my student teaching, and graduation from Dordt College, I recognized not only the significant role Christian education played in own my life and development, but also the importance and value it plays in the lives of our students. As believers we are called to give our entire being to Christ, and I believe this includes providing a Christ-centered education for our students. I joined Unity Christian High School’s teaching team in 2011 because of the school’s distinct vision and desire to provide students with the highest quality Christian education possible. God has blessed me with wonderful gifts to use for His glory and I am striving whole-heartedly to use them faithfully—equipping the future generation to love and serve God in all areas of their life.