Featured Alumni

Kristi Young

“Teaching is the most powerful, impacting job because from a teacher come all other professions. It is the teacher who molds the next teacher, policeman, husband/wife, pastor, politician, doctor, lawyer or musician. A good teacher can affect the Kingdom of God in the hearts of students and set them upon the path of serving the Lord with their whole life, which includes their musical abilities.”

This quote is from Kristina Young, 2004 Conservatory of Music graduate with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, as well as a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. Kristi is passionate about teaching, second, and about the Lord Jesus Christ, first, which are both reflected in the statement above. Following graduation from the Conservatory, she went on to receive her Master of Education degree from Biola in 2006, and will complete her Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University in 2011. Kristi was a featured teacher in the recent edition of the teaching textbook “Becoming a Teacher” by Dr. Beverly Stanford.

A diligent, vivacious and winsome student during her years at Biola, Kristi currently transfers those qualities to her job as Director of Choral Activities and Department Head of Music at Calvary Chapel Christian School of Downey, where she has worked for six years. She teaches all levels of choir, with 150 students involved in her high school choir, 60 in her middle school choir, and 60 in the elementary choir. Add several smaller ensembles created from the high school choir and it makes for a busy rehearsal schedule. In addition to her musical responsibilities, Kristi is the varsity volleyball coach for both the boys’ and girls’ teams. And, she was chosen as Teacher of the Year in 2008.

The school’s choirs stay very active throughout the year, performing in the school and church for holidays and special events, as well as maintaining an active presence in the community. Competitions in various festivals, and participation in the school’s highly attended Broadway musicals, as well as traditional Christmas and spring concerts round out the schedule. A highlight of their 2009/2010 season was auditioning and being selected to join a prestigious group to perform in Disneyland’s Candlelight Ceremony—the only Christian school to be selected.

When asked how her Biola education prepared her for her employment, Kristi responded that her experiences in Conservatory classes, private voice lessons with Dr. Jeanne Robison, and Chorale with Shawna Stewart were main influences. “Studying music in the Conservatory under these teachers provided me the knowledge, skills, and ability to guide high school students through their own ‘musical journeys.’ I was exposed to high standards, pressure situations, quality teaching and many experiences working with other musicians. All of these combined experiences molded me into the musician/teacher that I am today and are pivotal in framing my own classroom and teaching practices.”

Among fond memories of her Biola years, Kristi recalls singing music from The Passion of the Christ with the Biola Chorale on the Jay Leno Show, participating in the Chorale’s European tour in 2004, opera productions, PRISM concert solos with Mr. Owen and the orchestra, and Dr. Lock’s high standards and support.

Kristi’s response to a request for advice to current music students is wise for all who follow the Lord: “‘Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ Matt. 6:33. The most important thing we do as Christian musicians is to further the Kingdom of God through our musical abilities and gifts. The audience’s applause is fleeting but what is done for the Kingdom of God will last. So look for ways you can minister with your gift and not just the ways you can receive applause…Take your teacher preparation seriously because very soon you will be impacting the future/eternity when you step into your classroom/studio. You want to be prepared!”

Dr. Mark Rhoads

Biola music alumnus Dr. Mark Rhoads graduated from Biola with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, choral emphasis, in 1972. A master’s degree in choral conducting was earned from Cal State University, Fullerton, in 1980, and Mark received his DMA in music education and choral conducting from University of Oregon in 1990.

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Dr. Calvin Dyck

Violinist Calvin Dyck graduated from Biola in 1985 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin Performance. Following his undergraduate work at Biola, Dr. Dyck completed a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from University of Southern California in 1988, and a DMA from USC in Violin Performance, with minors in choral conducting, music history and music education in 1991.

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