Evie Conkling - Music Specialist, Strings Orchestra

I studied Music Education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (USA), and later took post-graduate studies in music at West Chester U. and at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY (USA). I taught elementary music, string lessons, and orchestras in public and private schools in Pennsyvania for ten years.  I also played violin professionally there.  Later I moved with my husband to Taipei, Taiwan, where I taught private violin lessons, and also taught music classes part-time for two different international schools. This is my first year at SSIS.  I have been teaching general music in Grades 1-4 and conducting the elementary string orchestras.

Contact me at evelynconkling@ssis-suzhou.net

Maggie Zhai - Early Years Performing Arts Specialist

I studied Human Resource Management at Suzhou University. I have also studied at Xi’an as a music educator and early childhood educator. I started studying piano when I was 5 years old, every year I was participated in the National Piano Grader Test. I finally achieved my level ten certificate when I was 16 years old. My original experience as an educator was at Suzhou Mother Goose Kindergarten where I taught music and Nursery in 2003. For the last six years I have worked at SSIS where I have taught Chinese in Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten for 4 years andPerforming Arts for the past two years.

Contact me at maggiezhai@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