David Janssen - Music Specialist, Strings Orchestra

I started my music career as a performer and toured for many years with a recording group called “The Diamonds”.  They are most famous for their hits “Little Darlin’” and “The Stoll”. I decided to get off of the road and went back to school where I graduated from Southern Oregon University in Oregon with a degree in Music Education. My first teaching post was in Southern Oregon. But, as a musician I always wanted to travel, so when the opportunity came, I moved to Guam, a small island in the Marianna Island chain.  I taught in many capacities there, in public and private schools.  I taught elementary, middle, and high school choir, pop bands, and orchestra.  I recorded a children’s album in the late 90s which can be found at a number of outlets.  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003C39VJS/ref=dm_sp_alb?ie=UTF8&qid=1288225243&sr=8-1) 
I now teach at SSIS in elementary music (K-5) and elementary string orchestra.

Contact me at davidjanssen@ssis-suzhou.net

Kim Gilbertson - Music Specialist, Choir and Ensemble

I graduated from Mayville State University in North Dakota with a degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music. While there, I also received a second degree in Classroom Teaching Grades K-8. My first few teaching posts were in small rural K-12 schools where I taught Music to every grade level. In addition to teaching Music, I was the Choir and Band Director in these schools. My previous post was in South Dakota where I taught music in a K-12 school for 7 years. After teaching English for one year at the Suzhou International Foreign Language School I came to teach Music at SSIS. In my 5th year now I enjoy teaching Elementary Music, Nursery PMP and directing the Elementary Dragon Choirs, Middle School Girl’s Ensemble and High School Choir.

Contact me at kimgilbertson@ssis-suzhou.net