Hi! Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. My name is Ali and I am thrilled to be your Redfish Elementary Music teacher. I am excited to build a thriving program and foster Redfish school culture through music.

I grew up in Crawford Bay and the Kootenays are home. As high school student in Crawford Bay, I played the drum kit, trumpet, and marimbas. My band teacher Jim Donald asked me during one challenging song to keep time on the snare and for the rest of the year I didn’t want to leave the kit. In my early twenties, I picked up guitar and ukulele. Most recently, I have been learning basic piano at home on my keyboard. I also sing in a choir called Lalin, based out of Nelson.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology as well as a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education, both of which I received in 2010 from the University of Lethbridge. In 2019, I took on a temporary role at South Nelson, filling in for a friend of mine and teaching K-5 Music. At that time, I had no formal music training aside from my personal musical experience. I loved my role at South Nelson so much that I went back to school to get my Elementary Music Education designation from the University of Victoria. The look of pure joy and happiness on students’ faces when they are singing, dancing, and playing instruments inspires me every day.

My passions outside of school include back country skiing, gardening, dirt biking, and alpine hiking.

Please reach out anytime. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

With gratitude,

Miss Keraiff (Miss K)