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  Our Directors    

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Rachel Cabanilla-Sinnett

Originally from the Chicago area, Rachel Cabanilla-Sinnett began her musical studies at age five playing piano and then shortly after, violin. Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Andrews University.  In 2007 she completed a Masters Degree with dual emphasis in String Pedagogy and Music Education from Northwestern University. She has taught in the Saint Joseph Public School system since 2002, and currently teaches the 6-8th Orchestras and 6-7th Woodwinds at Upton Middle School. Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett has served as a clinician at several MSBOA Mid-level Clinics, and was the Chamber Music Director at MASTA Summer String Camp Session III for several years. Since 2014, Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett has been teaching the after school Mini Mozarts program with her husband, violinist Sean Sinnett, providing group string instruction to students at all three St. Joseph elementary schools. Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett plays violin and viola professionally, and a studio thru the Citadel Dance and Music Center. She and Sean have three children, Pierre, Annabelle, and Henley.

Joshua C. Doe

Joshua C. Doe began his musical career in Hastings Michigan.  He started as a clarinetist, but quickly switched to saxophone after discovering a love of Jazz.  During his senior year, Mr. Doe decided he wanted to make music his career and attended Grand Valley State University.  While at GVSU, Mr. Doe held all principal positions in the top wind ensemble, the jazz band, and lead multiple jazz combos.  He was drum major of the GVSU Laker Marching Band in 2007, and conducted multiple athletic band events. Upon graduation, Mr. Doe took a job in the Catholic Schools as Assistant Director of Bands at West Catholic and Catholic Central High School.  However, fate brought him to Niles 6 years later.

 

While at Niles, Mr. Doe's ensembles received 1st Division Ratings at Marching, Concert, and State Festival when attended.  Mr. Doe grew a program of 180 students enrolled in 6th-12th grade band, to one of over 400 enrolled in 6 years. Mr. Doe has received The Catalyst In Education Award (2016), Band Director of the Year District 6 (2017), and has been runner up for Michigan Teacher of the Year Region 7 in 2019.    Bands under Mr. Doe's direction have performed in Walt Disney World, Multiple Athletic Events such as The Griffins and Whitecaps games, New Orleans, and Italy. 

 

Mr. Doe is elated to be at St. Joseph High School this year, and looks forward to working with the wonderful students, teachers, and staff members here at St Joe.  When Mr. Doe is not teaching, he enjoys Detroit Sports especially the Tigers and the Red Wings, reading Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, and Bruce Coville, all while spending time with his fantastic wife Tianna, and their rescue dog, Pepper.

Burke Lokey

Burke Lokey is the Orchestra Director for St. Joseph High School in St. Joseph, MI. Under his leadership the Orchestras have earned top ratings at Michigan School Band and Orchestra Festivals, performed in Festivals in California and Illinois, and in 2012 the SJHS Chamber Orchestra received 3rd place at the ASTA National Orchestra Festival.  Burke is also the Vice President of Orchestral Activities for the Michigan Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA). In 2014, Burke was appointed as the Director of the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra and in 2016 he led a collaborative performance of Carl Orff¹s “Carmina Burana”. He is also the Education Director for the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra where he has started a string program at the Boys and Girls Club in Benton Harbor, MI, and has organized master classes with such artists as Rachel Barton-Pine and Christopher O’Reilly.  In addition to his duties with the orchestras, Burke is also the head wrestling coach for Upton Middle School. 

 

Before coming to St. Joseph he taught instrumental music in New York City and Rockland County, NY. He helped build a thriving string program in Nyack, NY that has been recognized on a State and National level. During that time he arranged music for, and conducted ensembles that were showcased at such venues as the Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall and New York State Music Association Conferences. Burke has an extensive background in Music Education having received a BA in Music and String Pedagogy from Arizona State University (¹01) and a MA in Music Education from Columbia University (¹08). He has led workshops and presentations on the use of Music Technology for education and Music Advocacy in the community. Burke shares his love of music with his wife, Becky and two young sons, Ryan and Evan. He also enjoys cooking, sports, reading, and traveling.
 

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