Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Inspiring Our Future Musicians – Elizabeth Hering and Sean Williams, McNary High School
![Two music educators stand in front of a symphony performance at McNary High School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743107138/salkeizk12orus/xdeltvzfeszxlauycywc/mcnary-orsymphony-1200x675.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743107138/salkeizk12orus/xdeltvzfeszxlauycywc/mcnary-orsymphony-1200x675.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1743107138/salkeizk12orus/xdeltvzfeszxlauycywc/mcnary-orsymphony-1200x675.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743107138/salkeizk12orus/xdeltvzfeszxlauycywc/mcnary-orsymphony-1200x675.jpg","width":1200}])
Meet Elizabeth Hering and Sean Williams
This dynamic duo are the directors of the McNary High School band and orchestra programs and for many years have grown this program to support students explore and pursue their individual music ambitions. As many of the passionate music educators we have in our schools, both Hering and Williams often work to find unique opportunities and transformative experiences for students to engage with as part of their programming.
As part of their school's celebration of Music in our Schools month, in March of 2025, students at McNary High School had the unique opportunity to perform side-by-side with the talented and professional musicians from the Oregon Symphony.
During this performance, students from Clagget Creek and Whiteaker middle schools joined families, local dignitaries and others from our school community to witness this groundbreaking outreach opportunity for our Salem-Keizer Music students.
Anytime students get a chance to partner with, learn from, be mentored by a professional in their chosen field is a chance for them to learn from the very best. To see somebody who has taken the same journey that many of them are hoping to take, or even if they are not planning on being musicians, they have a deeper appreciation for the effort and skill-development that goes into being a musician.
Sean Williams, orchestra teacher at McNary High School
Salem-Keizer music programs have a long-standing relationship with the Oregon Symphony and often collaborate together for hands-on workshops, educational performances and more to enhance the experience of students in SKPS music programs.
With a strong history of excellence in the arts, students in Salem-Keizer have earned 133 state championships in band, choir, and orchestra since 2000. Our district's talented middle and high school musicians continue to impress with performances that showcase their dedication and skill. In addition, more than 180 students were selected for All-State music ensembles this year, and McKay High School’s a cappella group competed at the national level. These achievements are just one example of the many strengths that make the Salem-Keizer community proud.