About the Director, Mr. Ian Tapson
Ian Tapson has been an educator in the Lebanon School District since August 2010, beginning his teaching career at Boswell Elementary as the general music teacher and choir director. During his time at Boswell, he taught music to nearly 700 4th and 5th graders, directed a select choir which performed at the state music convention in January 2014, and co-directed a select theater group which performed favorites such as Aristocats and Cinderella. Mr. Tapson was named Boswell's Teacher of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year. As he enters his 6th year of teaching, he is excited to uphold the fine tradition of choral singing at Lebanon High School! In addition, he serves as the Elementary Vice-President for the South Central District and teaches Driver's Education during the summer.
After graduating from West Plains High School, Ian attended Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri and majored in Vocal Music Education. He graduated in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Music Education only to return to MSU in January 2012 to pursue his Master's in Educational Administration, graduating in August 2013.
During his college career, he was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon (a professional music fraternity), Collegiate Music Educators National Conference (CMENC), and Missouri State Teacher's Association (MSTA). He performed with the elite MSU Concert Chorale, touring places such as New York City, Boston, Italy, and Austria. He also performed in the MSU Opera Workshop program and was a Springfield Regional Opera Young Artist.
It was through MSU Opera Workshop that Mr. Tapson fell in love with his wife, Jamie. They exchanged vows on June 5, 2010 and have been happily married since. Jamie graduated from Missouri State with her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in May 2011 and teaches private voice and piano lessons from their home. Mr. Tapson has two children, Aria Noel and Camden James. The Tapson family also have a miniature Australian Shepherd, Toby, who loves to play with kids.
After graduating from West Plains High School, Ian attended Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri and majored in Vocal Music Education. He graduated in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Music Education only to return to MSU in January 2012 to pursue his Master's in Educational Administration, graduating in August 2013.
During his college career, he was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon (a professional music fraternity), Collegiate Music Educators National Conference (CMENC), and Missouri State Teacher's Association (MSTA). He performed with the elite MSU Concert Chorale, touring places such as New York City, Boston, Italy, and Austria. He also performed in the MSU Opera Workshop program and was a Springfield Regional Opera Young Artist.
It was through MSU Opera Workshop that Mr. Tapson fell in love with his wife, Jamie. They exchanged vows on June 5, 2010 and have been happily married since. Jamie graduated from Missouri State with her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in May 2011 and teaches private voice and piano lessons from their home. Mr. Tapson has two children, Aria Noel and Camden James. The Tapson family also have a miniature Australian Shepherd, Toby, who loves to play with kids.
About the Accompanist, Mrs. Denise Shoemaker
Denise Shoemaker has been a part of the LHS Music Program since the fall of 1996. Since being on staff with LHS Music department she has accompanied the choirs in Lebanon, MMEA - Tan-Tar-A, New York, Canada, performed in Carnegie Hall singing with the choir, 17 musicals and 6 Madrigal/Yuletide Feast. Denise also accompanies the Lebanon Community Choir and provides instrumental music for area civic organizations and businesses. She is an active member of the Southern Heights Christian Church and serves as a part of their Praise Team. Denise grew up in Moberly, MO where she graduated from Moberly Senior High. She was active in Choir and Band throughout her Jr High/High School days and was a member of the All-District Choir, All District Band, and selected to the Missouri All-State Choir for MMEA at Tan-Tar-A in 1981. Denise attended Central Christian College where she was involved in vocal music and accompanied several traveling music groups prior to moving to Lebanon. Denise is married to Mark and has a son and two daughters, two son-in-laws and two beautiful grand daughters. Outside of Music Denise enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family including being a part of the crew for her husband who pilots a Hot Air Balloon "Humble Flight".