A Passion for Preparation

December 22, 2006

Darla Eshelman is passionate about her students.

"One of my favorite things is when I see my student teachers in a classroom and watch them teach for the first time," said Dr. Eshelman who has been an OBU faculty member since 1995. "All of their skills and passions about teaching music come alive as they become the teacher they were prepared to become."

As associate professor of music education and Bisonette Glee Club conductor, Eshelman said her role is "to prepare and inspire music education majors for teaching music in public schools, and to provide the Bisonettes with a quality and emotionally rewarding choral music experience."

Eshelman also coordinates OBU's Young Singers of Central Oklahoma which includes a variety of choirs from preschool through high school. Her students have performed at several national music events.

Outside of teaching, Eshelman enjoys walking, spending time with her husband and son, and composing music. Choirs at OBU have sung pieces composed by Eshelman.

"It is my hope that my students will be involved with music, on some level for the rest of their lives," she said.

Eshelman earned her bachelor's degree at Grand Canyon University and her master's degree in music education at Arizona State University. She completed her Ph.D. at University of Oklahoma.