Alumna stays close to messiah roots
Dru Deitch ’15, music education graduate with an M.M. from Colorado State University, recently began working as the music teacher at Camp Hill School District. The daughter of two alumni, she describes her journey from one campus to another.
Why Messiah?
“Messiah has always been a part of my life journey. Both of my parents are Messiah College graduates, and my mother’s wedding photos are in front of the red covered bridge. In elementary school, I spent summers attending Messiah basketball camps, eating in Lottie Nelson dining hall and sleeping in the dorms. My fifth-grade yearbook states, ‘I want to go to Messiah College and become a teacher.’ I absolutely loved my Messiah College experience. It will always be a very special place for me and my family.”
Who were your mentors?
“My professors at Messiah challenged me academically, encouraged me in my efforts to become a music educator, have supported me in my professional career and have demonstrated the grace of Christ through their teaching and example. Two of the most impactful professors in the music department included Dr. Rachel Cornacchio and Linda Tedford. These women continue to support me today.
“After graduating from Messiah, I continued singing choral music with Linda Tedford in the Susquehanna Chorale. This opened the opportunity to conduct the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale and now the Susquehanna Youth Chorale. Mrs. Tedford’s deep-rooted passion for choral excellence has inspired me to be the best director I can be. She continues to serve as a role model for my life. Similarly, Dr. Cornacchio shaped my educational philosophy and approach to teaching music at the middle- and high-school level. Her high-energy style is something I try to emulate in my teaching today. She has encouraged me in my faith and in my profession countless times. I value her leadership and enjoy singing in the Threefold Chord Women’s Choir that she conducts. I feel lucky to call her a colleague and a friend.”
Tell us about your career journey.
“I started in the fall of 2015 at Eagle View Middle School in the Cumberland Valley School District. I directed the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade choir, taught general music to all three grades, directed the school musicals (with my Messiah College roommate and best friend Kayla Desko ’15) and directed the middle school select choir called the Eagle Singers. I held this position for eight years and loved my time at Cumberland Valley.
In 2016, I started as the conductor of the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale. At that time, the ensemble rehearsed at Camp Hill High School. I continued conducting the Women’s Chorale for six seasons. In 2022, I changed roles in the organization and started as the conductor of the Susquehanna Youth Chorale. I continue to work with the youth chorale today.
In 2022, I learned that the Camp Hill Middle and High School position would become available. I applied and was thrilled to be offered the position. I started in April, and I am enjoying my first full year as the director of vocal music. The students and faculty are dedicated, talented and always strive for excellence. I am so grateful to continue my career as a Camp Hill Lion!”
Describe your work day.
“There is a learned finesse to teaching middle school and high school in the same day. A typical day begins with sixth-grade general music. I then teach a section of high school music technology. This is followed by high school concert choir. After lunch, I teach a second section of music technology, then seventh- and eighth-grade choir (the Mixed Choir) and end the day with sixth-grade choir (the Treble Makers). After school on Wednesdays, I work with the singers in the a cappella ensemble RoaR.”
For any student who wants to pursue music education as a career, I can’t recommend Messiah highly enough.”
— Anna Seip