Maureen Van Vechten graduated from Syracuse University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During her education, Van Vechten placed on the Dean’s List three quarters in a row. She received the Howard Simmons Award for notable achievement in performing ensembles; these achievements included her positions as Pride of the Orange Marching Band Assistant Section Leader in 1992 and Assistant Drum Major in 1993. She rounded out her extra-curricular accomplishments as a Resident Advisor, a Tau Beta Sigma Parliamentarian, and a volunteer with Wanderers’ Rest Humane Society in Canastota, New York. Maureen Van Vechten obtained her Master of Music with specialization in Music Education from Kansas State University and became an Instrumental Music Teacher at Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. For 2 years, Van Vechten taught 10 bands in 5 different elementary schools and assisted with the instruction of Manhattan High School’s “Big Blue” Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Bands. Maureen Van Vechten followed her passion to the Adirondack Central Schools in Boonville, New York, where she worked as the Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher. She taught weekly music lessons and instructed elementary and beginning bands for three different schools. In addition to her classes, she coached Junior Varsity Volleyball and performed in the pit orchestra of the annual musicals. Outside of school, Van Vechten participated in the Boonville Summer Community Band. In September 2000, Maureen Van Vechten became the Middle/High School Director of Bands at Morrisville-Eaton in Morrisville, New York. She directed the Middle and High School Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band and gave instrumental music lessons to students. Van Vechten also continued to coach both Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball and became the advisor to the class of 2011. Since Van Vechten joined Morrisville-Eaton, she has led the district’s Warrior Pride Drumline to place first in the Sherburne Pageant of Bands for six years. Maureen Van Vechten’s numerous affiliations, including the National Flute Association, National Education Association, and the Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, exemplify her personal and professional dedication to music and teaching. In her downtime, she continues to volunteer with Wanderers’ Rest Humane Society.