"Secondary trauma is when you experience trauma second-hand. The trauma might not have happened to you specifically, but somebody shares with you their firsthand trauma and it impacts you emotionally, maybe physically. We don’t realize that we are very compassionate, empathic people, and we sometimes take it on without meaning to. It can impact us. I don’t think I can think of a teacher who’s never dealt with it.“

Dr. Lynn Ryan began reading music before she learned how to read English. A lifelong musician, she loves to bring the power and joy of music to singers and audiences alike! Lynn is a skilled conductor, soprano, pianist, and horn player – in addition to whatever instrument is lying around!

She has taught in Great Falls for the past fourteen years. As director of the C.M. Russell High School Choirs for ten years she developed a thriving program, leading the Chanteur Choir to four northwest regional conference performances and national recognition as finalists for the American Prize in Choral Music. Currently Lynn enjoys teaching 5th and 6th grade instrumental music at seven different elementary schools. She is also founding artistic director of the non-profit choral arts organization, the Electric City Choral Union. She is an advocate for creating singing opportunities that provide community and high-level artistry. She has served on the Northwest ACDA board, organizes the MCDA Central Montana Youth Sing, and enjoys guest conducting and adjudicating choral music all over the Pacific Northwest.

Lynn earned her bachelor’s degree in K-12 Choral Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University, her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Northern Arizona University, and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from St. Leo University in Tampa, Florida.

Outside of school she plays piano and handbells at her church and frequently collaborates with her choral director husband, Patrick. Together they have three children who are budding musicians themselves!

To get in touch with Lynn, you can email her at lynn_ryan@gfps.k12.mt.us, find her on Facebook (@lynn.fransenryan) or visit electriccitychoralunion.org .

Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.

Podcast music from Podcast.co
Photo in episode artwork by Trace Hudson