René Ballmaier earned both her BA and Teaching Credential in English/Music Education from Whittier College. She currently serves as the Choir Director at Fairgrove Academy of the Arts in La Puente. She also teaches piano lessons in the Whittier area and is one of the guest sopranos at Whittier Presbyterian.

“Being involved in the performing arts has been a huge part of my life. It has shaped who I have become and influences the way I raise my own children. As a child and young adult participating in piano, competitive dance, (jazz, ballet, tap, folklorico) community theatre, private voice lessons, Karen’s Kids, high school show choir to serving as the manager of our college choir; I have seen firsthand the dedication of teachers and the passion they instill in their students. I hope one day to have that impact on others and continue to surround myself with the inspiration that art education brings.” -Rene