Dauri Kennedy, Music Director

Dauri Kennedy comes from a background of singers. Her grandmother and mother were both gospel singers. She attended the renowned New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts and later received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois and a Master of Music from UCSB. Ms. Kennedy is an alumna of the Music Academy of the West and was a featured soloist with the SB City College Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Grand Opera. Her extensive opera performances include lead roles with Seattle Opera, New Orleans Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera.

Ms. Kennedy has taught in Santa Barbara public and private schools and is a faculty member at Santa Barbara City College (Adult Education) where she teaches choral and performance classes. She is a revered teacher at Marymount of Santa Barbara, where she teaches music (singing, reading, appreciation, theory) to students K-8. She is also the founder and musical director of the Santa Barbara School of Performing Arts, which offers pre-professional training and performance opportunities for students ages 8-21.