Natalie Sears is an active music educator and performer based in Michigan. She serves as the 5th and 6th grade
band director at Kinawa 5–6 School in Okemos Public Schools, where she leads a program of over 250
students. Since joining the Okemos faculty in 2023, she has valued working alongside dedicated educators,
talented students, and a supportive arts community.
Previously, Ms. Sears taught for nine years in Kentwood Public Schools. She was the 6th–8th grade band
director at Pinewood Middle School, assistant band director at East Kentwood High School, and the district’s
percussion specialist.
She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Michigan State University,
where she studied with Prof. Gwendolyn Dease, Dr. Jon Weber, Dr. Kevin Sedatole, and Dr. Mitchell Robinson.
Ms. Sears has extensive experience performing and teaching classical, jazz, and marching percussion, as well as
directing concert, jazz, and marching bands at multiple levels. She has also performed with and directed
symphony orchestras and musical theater pit orchestras. An active member of the Michigan School Band and
Orchestra Association, she regularly serves as a District and State Solo & Ensemble percussion adjudicator and
enjoys working with percussionists from across the state of Michigan.
In addition to her public school teaching and professional work as an adjudicator, clinician, and performer, Ms.
Sears values the opportunity to contribute to the Michigan State University Community Music School, a place
that supports musical growth and enrichment for musicians of all ages. She serves as one of the directors for the
Summer Middle School Band Camp and director of one of the Adult Community Bands.
Ms. Sears is passionate about fostering musicianship, creativity, and lifelong engagement in the arts.
