Katie Ballantynell

Children's Choir Director

An active clinician and music educator, Ms. Ballantyne is an instructor at the Ithaca College School of Music and a popular guest conductor at festivals throughout New York State. In 2016, she was appointed as the new Artistic Director of the Ithaca Children and Youth Chorus, following the departure of founding director Dr. Janet Galvan. Ms. Ballantyne is also the owner/founder of Forte Music Editing, which provides music editing, engraving, and proofing services for music publishers and independent composers throughout the country. She is a frequent contributor to music education publications, including Activate! magazine. Her choral music is published by Alfred Music Publishing and Heritage Music Press.

Previously, Ms. Ballantyne taught choral music and theater at Johnson City High School in upstate New York, which received repeated national recognition as a Grammy Signature School and a Best Community for Music Education during her tenure. A graduate of Ithaca College and the Irish World Music Centre, she holds degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, as well as Chant and Ritual Song.