Cathyann Roding
Cathyann Roding has been teaching, encouraging and leading students at Branford High School since 1985. In those twenty-four years she has rarely slowed in her efforts or narrowed her dreams. She has dedicated her life to bringing music, confidence and a sense of the world to her students.
After graduating from Elmont High School in Elmont, Long Island, Cathyann went on to Long Island University and the Hartt School of Music. Her summa cum laude degree in music education and her M.A. in choral conducting paved the way for her to reach Branford High.
At BHS she has taught music theory, guitar and keyboard. She has directed the freshmen choir, the concert choir, the Madrigal Singers and the Music Makers. Her students have achieved individual and group honors and awards under her direction and tutelage.
Her choirs have performed in some of the hallowed venues of our day. They have sung in Carnegie Hall and in both the Avery Fisher and the Alice Tully Halls at the Lincoln Center. Her choirs have been heard at the Kennedy Center and have traveled to Europe, singing in England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Ireland and Scotland. When in Italy, Cathyann and her choir were honored by an audience with Pope John Paul II. The experiences of these events create lifelong impressions and memories for all who were part of them and develop a sense of confidence in the individual and an awareness of the larger world.
Cathyann's choirs perform regularly throughout Branford and the surrounding communities. They have given concerts throughout the year and have appeared at Senior Centers, sung at Martin Luther King Day breakfasts and at Branford's Education Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. They are highly sought after and create a positive impression as ambassadors of themselves and Branford High.
As if all of this gives Cathyann time to breath, she has also been the Choral Director, Musical Director and Choreographer for the BHS spring musicals. Under her guidance the musicals have become a major cultural and theatrical event in Branford each spring.
Having a song that she wrote, “You Light the Way”, performed at each High School graduation, has institutionalized Cathyann's place in the culture of Branford.
Cathyann is a resident of Branford where she and her daughter Ashley are integral parts of the community. The community has recognized her importance. She has been named Branford Citizen of the Year as well as New Haven Woman of the Year. She has been selected Parade Marshall for Branford's Holiday Parade and has been Branford's Teacher of the Year. Now it is time to welcome this very talented, dedicated and deserving individual into Branford's Education Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Elmont High School in Elmont, Long Island, Cathyann went on to Long Island University and the Hartt School of Music. Her summa cum laude degree in music education and her M.A. in choral conducting paved the way for her to reach Branford High.
At BHS she has taught music theory, guitar and keyboard. She has directed the freshmen choir, the concert choir, the Madrigal Singers and the Music Makers. Her students have achieved individual and group honors and awards under her direction and tutelage.
Her choirs have performed in some of the hallowed venues of our day. They have sung in Carnegie Hall and in both the Avery Fisher and the Alice Tully Halls at the Lincoln Center. Her choirs have been heard at the Kennedy Center and have traveled to Europe, singing in England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Ireland and Scotland. When in Italy, Cathyann and her choir were honored by an audience with Pope John Paul II. The experiences of these events create lifelong impressions and memories for all who were part of them and develop a sense of confidence in the individual and an awareness of the larger world.
Cathyann's choirs perform regularly throughout Branford and the surrounding communities. They have given concerts throughout the year and have appeared at Senior Centers, sung at Martin Luther King Day breakfasts and at Branford's Education Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. They are highly sought after and create a positive impression as ambassadors of themselves and Branford High.
As if all of this gives Cathyann time to breath, she has also been the Choral Director, Musical Director and Choreographer for the BHS spring musicals. Under her guidance the musicals have become a major cultural and theatrical event in Branford each spring.
Having a song that she wrote, “You Light the Way”, performed at each High School graduation, has institutionalized Cathyann's place in the culture of Branford.
Cathyann is a resident of Branford where she and her daughter Ashley are integral parts of the community. The community has recognized her importance. She has been named Branford Citizen of the Year as well as New Haven Woman of the Year. She has been selected Parade Marshall for Branford's Holiday Parade and has been Branford's Teacher of the Year. Now it is time to welcome this very talented, dedicated and deserving individual into Branford's Education Hall of Fame.