April Langford
April Langford's love of music was fostered at an early age, being enrolled in piano lessons at the young age of four. Since then, she has always pursued music as her calling. April obtained a bachelor's degree in Music Education at Tennessee Tech University in 2012. She has studied oboe under Professor William Woodworth, and piano under Dr. Catherine Godes. During her time at TTU, she was a member of the Golden Eagle Marching Band, Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, University Orchestra, and Bryan Symphony Orchestra. April has worked with high school and university drum majors for many years, training them in conducting and leadership. She began teaching piano at the School of Performing Arts in 2008, and stepped into the role of Administrator in May of 2015. April has been a member of Stevens Street Baptist Church since 2004, and has served in the worship ministry since that time.In her free time, April loves to play music with her husband Ty. Her other passions include cuddling her dog, spending time with her family, knitting, and crocheting.
Lori Sexton
Lori A. Sexton is a woodwind instructor for the School of Performing Arts where she teaches saxophone, clarinet, & flute. She has been teaching at SPA since the conception of the school in the fall of 2005. She is a graduate from Tennessee Technological University where she received a Bachelor’s of Music Degree in Music Education-Instrumental. While at TTU, Lori studied saxophone privately with Dr. James Spinazzola and Dr. Roger Martin, flute privately with Dr. Roger Martin, and instrumental conducting privately with Joseph Hermann. Lori has also received music certifications in: Level 1 Orff-Schulwerk-Certification from Lee University in Cleveland, TN, Levels 2 & 3 Orff-Schulwerk Certification from the University of Kentucky-Lexington in Lexington, TN, & Level 1 Kodaly Certification from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Besides being an instructor at the Stevens Street School of Performing Arts, Lori is a full-time music educator for the Putnam County School System at Cane Creek Elementary in Cookeville, TN. She teaches general music in grades K-4 and is the music director and founder of the school’s music ensembles that include: CCES CubChant Chorus, CCES CubBeat Instrumental Ensemble, & CCES Cubs on UKES Ukulele Ensemble. Lori is a member at Stevens Street Baptist, where she currently serves in the Worship Ministry Orchestra playing tenor saxophone. In past years at SSBC, Lori has served as the SSBC Children’s Choir Coordinator, Instrumental Music Director, & Preschool & Children’s Choir Director in various choirs, and a former board member for the Stevens Street School of Performing Arts. She is also a member of the Big Band Sound Orchestra in Cookeville where she plays tenor saxophone, and has been a member of the American Orff- Schulwerk Association. During the time she is not teaching or performing music, she arranges and composes various types of instrumental and choral music, with an emphasis in arranging music for children’s instrumental ensembles & children’s choirs. To God be the glory!