SARA GUNNELL

sara.gunnell@wasatchacademy.org

EDUCATION

Utah State University
BMus Ohio State University
M.M. in Violin Performance and Pedagogy (Viola emphasis)

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Sara Gunnell is a professional violinist, violist, orchestra director, and pianist with more than 25 years of experience in music education and performance. She serves as Orchestra Director for Wasatch Academy and North Sanpete School District, where she teaches students in grades 7–12. 

Sara received her Bachelor's of Music Degree from Utah State University in Violin Performance and her Master's from Ohio University in Violin Performance and Pedagogy with an emphasis in Viola. She is also an active member of the Utah American String Teachers Association board, where she serves as ASTACAP and Social Media Chair. As a performer, Sara has worked with numerous professional orchestras throughout Utah and Ohio including Utah Festival Opera, American Festival Chorus and Orchestra, and Ohio Valley Symphony.  

She is an accomplished fiddler in Bluegrass, Americana, and Irish music and performs with the bands "Fat in the Fire" and "Leaping Lulu." Having recorded multiple albums, Sara has a large presence on streaming platforms such as iTunes, Pandora, and Spotify and is a highly sought after studio musician. Highlights from her teaching career include working at Utah State University, Ohio University, Snow College, and maintaining a large private studio. 

Her students have achieved superior ratings at state competitions, been awarded collegiate music scholarships, Sterling Scholar recognition, and gone on to pursue music in higher education and beyond.

Sara is a mother of 5 and loves to spend time hiking, camping, gardening, playing soccer, baking sourdough bread, and spending time with her family and friends.