Meet Kari West!

Meet Kari West, instructor for our Thursday Vocal Prep class and our newest staff member at CSDC!

Tell us a little about your family, Kari.

My husband, Jeff, and I have been married for 31 years. We have 5 daughters and 2 granddaughters and have been homeschooling for 21 years. Three of our daughters are grown and moved out, and we still have two at home.

And how about your “day job”?

When people ask what I do for a living, my initial response is to say I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom (a "home mom" as my granddaughter likes to call it. lol) because that is the job God has called me to first and foremost. But, aside from that, my husband and I are the music directors at First Baptist Church in Christine, and I give private piano lessons.

How did you first get involved in music and theatre?

I got involved in music when I started taking piano lessons at the age of 7. I played piano and flute all the way through college. I have a BA in Music Business from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman University).

It wasn't until later in life that I got involved in theatre. We attended a church in MO with a couple who ran a production company. I had an opportunity to act and sing in a production of A Christmas Carol with that company and I loved it! I also helped backstage with their production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and I loved that too! Since then, I have gone on to perform in and direct productions at various churches and homeschool groups.

And so . . . how did you end up at Crystal Sea?

I came to CSDC because I was looking for a place for my daughter to pursue her love of theatre. She started taking classes at CSDC last fall. Several of last year's productions included musical aspects that I had the privilege of directing. Those opportunities opened the door to offering this year's vocal training class.

And we are so excited to have you! What are you most looking forward to at CSDC this year?

This year I am looking forward to watching my students grow. I love to see the light bulb come on when they finally understand a concept they have struggled to grasp. I am excited to see their faces light up when they perform that song they thought was out of their reach. I know this is going to be a year of growth for both me and my students. I'm thankful God has given me the opportunity!