Mrs. Lori Bower came to MHS after 17 years of teaching in both Baltimore and Frederick County Public Schools.  A Middletown resident, Mrs. Bower started her musical career at the Peabody Preparatory of the Johns Hopkins University, studying piano performance and music theory and musicianship.  She was also awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and the Master of Science degree in Music Education from Towson University. As a member of the Towson Chorale, she toured Canada and many U.S. cities  serving as both a vocalist  and piano accompanist. She was also the winner of the Towson Music Department Talent Competition in piano performance.  In addition, Mrs. Bower has earned the Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly certification in music teaching methods.  Currently Mrs. Bower is a doctoral student of musical arts at Shenandoah Conservatory/University, where she was awarded a doctoral fellowship. She has served as a clinician in music education at the county and state levels. As a conductor and pianist, Mrs. Bower  performed in Florida with the Baltimore Actor's Theater and has conducted instrumental and vocal ensembles in various dinner theaters in the Baltimore area. This summer, she was chosen as a Master Class Conductor at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Choral Conductors Workshop in Alexandria, Virginia.  She also attended The National Association for Music Education (MENC)  Choral Academy in Washington, D.C.  

            Her awards include the prestigious Washington Post Agnes Meyer "Teacher of the Year"  and also "Outstanding Music Teacher" from the Maryland Music Educators Association.   As a composer, Mrs. Bower has created original music for many FCPS programs such as the Earth and Space Science Lab program and the Character Counts initiative. While teaching at OES, Mrs. Bower led students in composing original music for the Oscar Mayer Talent Competition, raising over $20,000 in prize money for the music department.   She looks forward to composing new music for the MHS vocal groups as well.   

            Currently Mrs. Bower serves as Director of Music and Church Organist at Thurmont United Methodist Church.  She also teaches private piano and voice at her home studio.  As a composer and recording artist, Mrs. Bower creates unique, original vocal and instrumental music recordings at her home recording studio in Middletown.    

             Mrs. Bower is very excited to begin her work with the Concert Choir,  the Vocal Ensemble and the  Women's Ensemble. In addition, she has plans to create a new MHS Show Choir experience for her students.