Sondra Jones
Sondra Jones, and Illinois native, received her B.S. degree in Music Education (Vocal Choral) from University of Illinois (’91) and her Master’s degree in Music Education with a Technology emphasis from Illinois State University (2000). In her 30 years as a public school music specialist she has taught general music, chorus, music theory, and handbells. Her experience spans all levels K-12 as well as experience teaching at the college level both as a graduate assistant and as an adjunct voice instructor. She has also taught many private voice and piano lessons in her home studio.
In 1991 she began her teaching career in Springfield, IL and kept her choirs actively performing not only at school but also in the community. While teaching at Springfield High School her top ensemble was invited to perform for the First Lady Hilary Clinton.
Mrs. Jones taught for Orange County Public Schools from the fall of 2001 until May 2022. Her first four years with OCPS began at Lakeview Middle School in Winter Garden where her choirs consistently received superior and excellent ratings at their annual Music Performance Assessments. More recently she served as a teacher in the K-5 setting. During her time with OCPS she directed many musical theatre productions including Into the Woods Junior, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Pirates of Penzance, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., and A Year with Frog and Toad (Kids).
She has been actively involved in the central Florida community as a camp counselor including summer music camps for children and Kids on the Move Daycamp for the First Baptist Church in Windermere, FL. She has also served as an instructor for Music Camp, as well as a Robotics instructor for Lego Summer Camp for the Presbyterian Church in Oakland, FL.
She has performed in many community theatres both here in Florida and in Illinois. She enjoys all aspects of the theatre from set design to costuming and tech. She was even recognized by Matt Palm for her costume work for The Toxic Avenger performed by the Greater Orlando Actors Theatre. Her love of sewing and quilting is expressed through her own business Sewfeggio LLC.
She has been an active choir member of the Bach Festival Society for 13 years and has served as soprano section leader as well as a member of the choir committee. She currently is the Education Manager for the Bach Festival Society where she coordinates several Education programs such as the Choir of Distinction, FreshStARTS programs, the annual Honors Choral Festival as well as choir liaison for the Bach Vocal Artists, the Bach Chamber Choir and the Young at Heart Chorale.
Mrs. Jones is currently a member of FMEA, and NafMe and has had several of her students qualify for the State Elementary Honors Chorus. She is certified in Orff Schulwerk levels I & II and holds several Florida teacher certifications including Music K-12, Drama 6-12, Middle Grade Integrated, Elementary Ed K-6, and PreK-3.
An artist at heart, she wants to share the joy that music performance can bring whether through participation on stage or as an audience member. She believes that Music is more than just an artform, it is an outward expression of who we are and is essential to living a full and rich life.
She currently resides in Apopka with her husband Les and their two children Lydia and Evan.