About Denise Cotton
I am beginning my 7th year as Director of Choral Activities at Lincoln Southwest High School. For the 2009-10 school year, I am continuing my role as Music Department Chair. I have a wonderful group of colleagues that I work with each day and am proud to be part of such an exciting and growing Music Department. As Choral Director, I have the priviledge to direct the Varsity Select Chamber Choir and Womens Choir, co-direct Varsity Concert Choir, Mixed Concert Choir, Freshman Choir and I am the Vocal Music Director of the annual LSW Musical. I am a member of MENC, NMEA, ACDA, and NCDA as well as serving on committees at LSW.
I am a Missouri native (GO MIZZOU) from a small rural community, New Franklin, pop. 1100 (near Columbia and home of Sarah Evans!!). I have 5 sisters and one brother-he is the oldest. I am 6th in line. My mom will tell that I began playing the piano when I was 2 years old. I took some lessons during elementary school but began taking seriously when I was a freshman in high school. My sisters made their own clothes (plus mine) while I kept the family entertained. I always knew I wanted to be a Music Teacher!
I received my Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Columbia. While there, I was featured soloist in various choral works and concerts, and sang roles in Mozart's Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute), Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), and Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus (The Bat). I earned my Master of Music Degree from the University of Illinois-Champaign. While at Illinois, I performed rolls in Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), Die Zauberflote (Mozart), Ariadne auf Naxos (Richard Strauss), and the Coronation of Poppea (Monteverdi).
I have taught pre-school through high school music for 16 years in Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska. I took 9 years off to be a MOM!! I have served as pianist, organist, soloist and children's choir director at churches in these states, as well. I have also taught private piano and voice lessons throughout my career.
I have been HAPPILY married for 29 years to my husband, Dan, and we have three children: Josh (24), Andy (22) and Amy (15), plus "Winnie" (10) our Llasa Apso doggie. Although I have always bled Missouri Black and Gold, I will now sport these colors again this year as Andy is a "Red Shirt" Junior with the Emporia (Kansas) State Baseball Team (Yes, I was in North Carolina to see them play for the DII NCAA World Series Championship game last spring). I AM a true Baseball MOM!! Just ask any of my E-Wing colleagues. Josh just finished his degree in Building Trades/Construction Management and is employed by a local construction company. Amy is a Sophomore at LSW (yes, she sings in the choir) and loves being a member of the Athletic Student Trainers. Thanks to my family for their support of my work at LSW!
I love teaching at LSW and look forward to another great year in E-Wing!