“I knew from a young age that I would work toward a career in music,” said Naomi Fanshier. Her choice was confirmed when she was awarded an opportunity to play with the Seattle Symphony when she was a senior in high school.
While she knew she wanted a career in music, she didn’t figure out exactly what shape that would take for quite a while. “By the time I realized I wanted to work in higher education, I was ten years removed from earning my bachelor’s degree, married, with a young child,” said Naomi. “Attending a master’s program that required long-term residency was not an option for me, and the fact that I could attend a low-residency program in conducting through a faith-based university like Messiah sealed the deal for me.”
As a result of earning a master’s degree, Naomi landed a dream job as an assistant professor of music at Northwest University. She is also the Music Department chair and directs the orchestra and wind ensemble. “I was hired specifically to create a brand-new orchestra program at NU,” said Naomi. “At Maple Valley Youth Orchestra, I oversee the musical development of the organization and conduct the symphony orchestra, which is the organization’s most advanced orchestra.”
Both positions came with the responsibilities of musical leadership – skills learned while in the conducting program at Messiah. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.