At the heart of the choir program at Tarkanian Middle School in Las Vegas, is the belief that choral music should be both musically rewarding and deeply human. “I balance high musical expectations with genuine care for my students, creating an environment where excellence and joy coexist,” says Heather Barclay Drusedum, Director of Choirs.
When she started at Tarkanian, she was tasked with rebuilding culture while simultaneously preparing students for the district festival. “Armed with grit and determination, we grew together as an ensemble through trust, consistency and hard work. We walked away from the festival not only with stronger relationships, but with superior rathings! This experience affirmed the power of music education to build both musicianship and community,” she says with pride.
Drusedum has continued to find ways to connect people — students, colleagues and the broader music community — and then turn that connection into meaningful collaboration and sustained growth. This has resulted in choir being a cornerstone of school culture with inclusive ensembles where every student feels valued and safe regardless of experience. Drusedum has expanded performance opportunities beyond concerts — her students perform at school events, community outreach and feeder school visits. “Choir is visible and celebrated across campus,” she says.
Growing her program means working with and strengthening her feeder network by building consistent relationships with nearby elementary schools. She regularly collaborates with elementary music teachers, visits campuses and invites elementary students to Tarkanian’s concerts. “Each December, our Chamber Choir goes caroling at feeder schools, giving younger students a live choral experience while building excitement and familiarity with our program and school. This tradition helps create meaningful connections and a welcoming pathway into our middle school choir program,” Drusedum explains.
Drusedum has also cultivated student leadership in her middle school program by encouraging students to take ownership of their musical and personal growth. “I believe students learn leadership by observing the adults around them, so I strive to model accountability, humility, respect, empathy and how to learn from mistakes,” she says.
During her second year at Tarkanian, Drusedum created Tarkapella to align our program with the high school and provide students with experience in contemporary a cappella. “The group is largely student-led, which allows my kids to build independence, leadership and accountability through learning music, leading sectionals and supporting one another,” she explains.
Giving back to the music education community in Las Vegas is an important goal for Drusedum. Not only does she support colleagues and stay actively engaged in the choral profession, she serves as an audition judge and remains involved in professional organizations that shaped her own development. “I have been a member of American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and Nevada ACDA since college and currently serve as co-chair of the Nevada ACDA All-State Choir. I continue to grow by attending workshops and conferences and by singing in community ensembles, staying connected to the joy of music-making,” Drusedum says.
