Ms. Jennifer Theilacker, a native of Lancaster County, has been actively teaching and performing for almost fifteen years. She is currently teaching and directing instrumental band in Brooklyn, New York at Phillipa Schuyler (I.S 383)For the Gifted and Talented. Previously she taught in the Bronx, New York, through a non-profit, initiating two band programs in high need areas in the south Bronx. From 2001 through 2009 Ms. Theilacker was the director of the 5th and 6th grade bands in the Lampeter-Strasburg School District. Under her tenure the L-S 6th Grade Band commissioned a work by the world-renowned composer Michael Story. She also involved her students in local and regional festivals, including the Hofstra University Middle School Honors Band. Ms. Theilacker has also taught band and general music at the prestigious Tatnall School in Wilmington, DE.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Millersville University, where she was the president of the symphonic band and wind ensemble and president of the college's chapter of MENC (Music Educator's National Conference). Jennifer has received a Masters Equivalency certificate for completing graduate work at the following institutions: Hofstra University, West Chester University, Millersville University and The University of the Arts. This summer she plans on completing a Masters Degree in Wind Conducting at the American Band College at Sam Houston State University. There, Jennifer has had the opportunity to play under the batons of composer Jan Van der Roost, Johan de Meij, and conductors Frank Wickes, Paula Crider, Anthony Maeillo, Michael Bankhead, & Lowell Graham.

Ms. Theilacker has studied clarinet with Janine Thomas, and conducting with Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft and Dr. Brian Norcross. Her professional affiliations include The National Band Association, Women Band Directors International (Eastern US Representative & New York state representative) and the Music Educator's National Conference, Music Educator's Association of New York City.

Ms. Theilacker's professional conducting engagements include the 2006 American Music Abroad Blue Tour, which performed in Germany, Italy, Austria, and Hungay, the 50th Anniversary Concert of the Queens Borough Wide Band in NYC in 2008 and the LLMEA Youth Middle School Youth Band Festival in 2009. She has also served as the assistant conductor of the Lampeter-Strasburg Community Band. Ms. Theilacker is honored to be back for her fourth season conducting Lancaster County Youth Wind Ensemble, in Pennsylvania.