Schell leaves for Everett, McDonell to take over
August 27, 2015
On August 18, 2015, music teacher Craig Schell, Bishop Blanchet’s choir director for the last thirteen years, accepted a position at Evergreen Middle School in Everett.
The move puts Schell closer to home, lessens his commute, and frees up more time to spend with his wife and three boys.
“I am sad to be leaving Blanchet,” said Schell, “but I think it’s the best move for my family and myself in the long run.”
Dr.Twila McDonell, currently teaching in the Theology department, will direct all of the school choirs, with the exception of Jazz Choir.
Dr. McDonell holds a doctorate in music from Northwestern University in Chicago, while both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music were obtained the University of Washington.
Prior to teaching at Bishop Blanchet last year, Dr. McDonell taught at Northwestern University, University of Missouri in St. Louis, Webster University, and the Music Institute of Chicago.
While at St. Louis University, she developed and grew the Campus Ministry Choir Ensemble to 100 student voices and 16 instrumentalists. She has developed and directed large-scale concerts and concert-series on the local, national and international level.
She has directed the choir at Saint Louis University’s College Church Choir, and produced and directed their Choral CD, Child of Our Longing, and subsequently led the choir on a performance tour through Ireland.
She is the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Cliff Dwellers Foundation Award, McDowell Society Award, Northwest Young Artist Prizewinner, and Babbs Memorial Award for Music Performance.
The jazz choir position will be filled by her husband, Mr. Angus McDonell.
At present, Mr. McDonell is the Pastoral Assistant for Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish in Edmonds. He will contine his work at the parish with the blessing and support of Pastor Fr. Haydock.
McDonell has a wealth of experience in music direction, having worked at Assumption Parish in Bellingham, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He holds a Master’s of Music from Northwestern University, in Jazz Pedagogy. His undergraduate work includes BA in Music and a BA in Theology from the University of Washington and Seattle University, respectively.
McDonell is a nationally published artist with Oregon Catholic Press. In addition, McDonell has been a professional jazz musician for at least 20 years.
