Director of Vocal Music
Mr. Kyle Snyder
Kyle Snyder is entering his tenth year of teaching and his first year at Ponderosa. Kyle graduated the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in Vocal, Piano, and General Music in 2016. He taught for two years at Weld Central Middle School in Keenesburg, four Years at Everitt Middle School in Wheat Ridge, and three years at Prairie View High School in Henderson. He has also served as an executive board member with the Colorado Middle All State Choir.
Kyle began his music education in 3rd grade at the piano with a local piano teacher. As He grew threw the public school system he involved himself in every aspect of the Performing Arts. Playing in band, marching in marching band, being in school choirs, and being in the school musical. Today outside of the classroom Kyle will occasionally accompany other choirs or performing groups and appear in stage productions.
Kyle lives in Southeast Aurora with his wife and two children. He loves to play and watch soccer and coaches here at Ponderosa. He also loves to run, camp, bike, read, skateboard, cook, work in the yard, and attend concerts, plays, and musicals in the local area.
Director of Instrumental Music
Ms. St. Gemme-Pate
Ms. Katie St. Gemme-Pate has previously taught General Music at Pine Grove Elementary for four years. During her time there, she established and directed a choir of over 85 students, fostering a strong sense of musical community. She earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.
Ms. St. Gemme-Pate has been previously played in marching band for nine years and has a strong passion for both band and orchestra education. She served on staff with the Legend Marching Band for four years and was Drum Major of the Colorado State University Marching Band, experiences that strengthened her passion for leadership, teamwork, and creating meaningful musical experiences for students.
Her teaching philosophy centers on “Music for All,” with the goal of ensuring every student has access to meaningful musical experiences and opportunities for growth. She strives for students to leave her program not only as better musicians, but as better people.
Outside of school, Ms. St. Gemme-Pate performs on clarinet with the Parker Symphony Orchestra. She is passionate about helping students grow as musicians and individuals and is excited to continue building a positive, energetic, and student-centered music program at Ponderosa High School.