Susan Van Arsdale
Mrs. Van Arsdale has taught Elementary and Middle School instrumental music for over 25 years in the Seneca Valley School District. She teaches more than 300 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students each week in small group lessons and band rehearsals. Her bands perform numerous concerts each year for school and community functions. The 6th grade band performs annually at the Evans City Memorial Day service and the Evans City Octoberfest Parade.
Mrs. Van Arsdale earned a BS in Music Education from Clarion University and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a staff Member of the Clarion University Summer Band Clinic for 7 years, and was awarded the Robinson Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. She has served as guest conductor for the PMEA District 3 Band Festival.
Mrs. Van Arsdale is active in church and community organizations as well. She is the founder and conductor of the Harmony-Zelienople Community Band, a band established to encourage inactive adult musicians to resume playing. She performs with the Musicians Concert Band at Slippery Rock University and locally with various organizations. Mrs. Van Arsdale conducts a Youth Band and an Adult Brass Ensemble at the Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church. And, she is a Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America.
Mrs. Van Arsdale lives in Harmony, PA, with her husband and sons.