Southeast GIML

Julia Turner currently teaches Pk-5 elementary general music, chorus, and modern band at A.C. Moore Elementary School in Columbia, SC. She graduated in May 2023 from the University of South Carolina with a Masters of Music Education degree where she studied with Dr. Wendy Valerio, and specialized in early childhood and elementary music education. She also teaches early childhood music classes at Shandon Weekday School. Julia completed her GIML Elementary General Music Level One PDLC with Dr. Butch Marshall and Jennifer Bailey. She actively utilizes teaching techniques inspired by Music Learning Theory in her early childhood and elementary classes. Julia presented at the 2023 GIML Conference on her research incorporating Music Learning Theory, Informal Music Learning, and Modern Band in the elementary classroom.

Maureen Girard teaches K-5 music at Double Churches Elementary School in Columbus, GA. Prior to that, she taught in the metro-Detroit area of Michigan. Maureen is certified in GIML Elementary General Level I and II, Early Childhood Level I, and Orff Schulwerk Levels I and II. She was named teacher of the year at her school in 2021, and a top 10 teacher of the year in her district in 2022. Maureen is also a yoga teacher and enjoys hiking with her dog, Maizey.

Kyle Bruenning obtained a Bachelor's in Music Education from Winthrop University in 2015 and Master's in Music Performance in 2017. He spent some time performing, teaching, and supporting new music in the Greater Boston Area. Currently he is teaching elementary general music and high school percussion in his home state of South Carolina.