Title: Director of Music
Company: Ursuline Academy of Dallas
Education: Master’s Degree in Music Education, University of North Texas (1980); Bachelor of Music Education, University of North Texas (1972)
Career History: Director of Music, Ursuline Academy of Dallas (1984-Present); Teacher (11 Years)
Sarah Jane Chambers, Director of Music at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of education.
With more than 50 years of experience as a music educator, Ms. Chambers attributes her longevity and success to the strong foundation laid by her loving and supportive parents, who allowed her to pursue her passion for music without hesitation. Their involvement in the community and impact on others inspired her to set similar goals for herself early on. After she tragically lost both of them at a young age, their memory further motivated her in her own pursuits.
Ms. Chambers, a dedicated and passionate musician, earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Texas in 1972. In the midst of her subsequent 11-year teaching career, she further bolstered her credentials with a master’s degree in music education in 1980. Since 1984, she’s been active as the Director of Music at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, where—over the course of several decades—she’s taught thousands of students and developed close-knit, deep bonds, considering all of them to be family. She now even teaches the grandchildren of some of her very first students. Since the beginning of her career, she’s been committed to their growth and the profound experiences she strives to provide them—beyond just learning and playing notes in a classroom.
In 2017, Ms. Chambers dreamed up an initiative to give her students the opportunity to perform internationally. After dedicating nearly a year and a half, she made this vision a reality, which she still regards as her most notable achievement. Her goal was to secure an invitation for her vocal group to perform at the Vatican in Rome. To prepare, she meticulously selected appropriate literature and collaborated with talented instrumentalists, including a violinist who had performed at Carnegie Hall. Through her determination and hard work, she engaged various contacts and utilized resources, culminating in a comprehensive application packet that showcased her students’ talents and the school’s history.
Outside of her primary endeavors, Ms. Chambers has been part of a performing group in Richardson, a suburb of Dallas, since 1977. Over the last 45 years, she’s served as the section leader of the flutes and was asked to be the associate conductor in 1991, a role she has enjoyed for more than 30 years. For her, this work is a hobby that allows her to explore her consistent love for music. Additionally, she’s been active as a founding member of the Texas Private School Music Educators Association since 1992.
Looking ahead, Ms. Chambers intends to keep busy after she eventually retires. She plans to mentor others and lend her services as a guest conductor, always wanting to share her knowledge with schools and young musicians. She encourages future generations to pursue their goals without fear, often reminding her students to look to the future, identify what they truly want to do, and take the time to research the possibilities. She also advises them not to fear changing paths if their interests shift, particularly in the arts, highlighting that “music often remains a central part of people’s lives…” even citing the frequent statistic that music is the top hobby for medical students.
Ms. Chambers also loves to travel—having visited countries like Russia, Turkey, and Egypt—and wants to keep exploring new places.