Katie Sims Silvestre

Katie Sims Silvestre is a classically trained soprano and music educator.  Katie started her musical journey at a young age with church choirs, public school choirs and Westminster Choir College’s conservatory choirs and summer camps, where she was able to sing some of the best masterworks out there- from Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 to Carmina Burana, Westminster laid the foundation for Katie and her love of choral music.  

Katie received her Bachelors of Music Education from Birmingham-Southern College and her Masters in Music Education from The Boston Conservatory.  Katie also did doctoral work in music education through Auburn University.  Katie’s focus on choral and vocal music allowed her to study with amazing teachers – from Dr. Jaqueline Leary – Warsaw and Dr. Lester Seigel at Birmingham-Southern to Dr. William Powell and Dr. Rosephanye Dunn-Powell at Auburn University – who continue to inspire her to this day. 

Katie has been working professionally in music for over 18 years.  She began her career in music education teaching vocal music, general music, and choral ensembles at all levels.  While at Auburn, Katie assisted the choirs, conducted at concerts and taught courses as a graduate teaching assistant in the choral music department and music education department.  Katie has taught in New Jersey, Alabama, Texas and New York City. Even through COVID-19,  she established and grew a thriving private vocal studio with students who have consistently advanced to All State Choir received exemplary marks in solo competitions and some that have won multiple talent competitions.  

Through it all, Katie’s beliefs in the power of music and the power of performance remain at the forefront of all she does.  It is a privilege and an honor to be a part of people’s musical journeys and Katie is thrilled to be back with DCINY where she can be a small part of “Changing Lives through the Power of Performance”.