Band

Welcome to 5th/6th grade band! This is my first year teaching band at Hillcrest, and my second working in the Boise School District. The other schools I teach at are Monroe, Jefferson and Whitney. You can reach me via email, or explore my band website to see some resources and information I've provided for beginning band students and their families.

Originally from Illinois, I was raised in the Chicago suburbs playing piano, clarinet and singing in many ensembles and programs. I also grew up a teacher’s kid and decided early on that I wanted to be a teacher just like my mom. I earned my Bachelor’s of Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2015 and following graduation, I moved to Idaho and spent 4 years teaching K-12 music in the Bruneau-Grand View School District. In 2021, I completed my graduate degree in Music Performance at Boise State University, where I studied clarinet and conducting. When I’m not teaching, I also direct the choir and music program at my church and conduct or participate in several community bands.  My husband and I love hiking, reading, making music together, and exploring the beautiful Treasure Valley. 


Cathryn Gardner