Born and raised in central South Dakota, Mallory discovered at an early age her passion for music and music education. Mallory attended Black Hills State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Education, with an emphasis in instrumental music. While attending BHSU, Mallory majored in flute while also performing in the BHSU Jazz Band on Alto Saxophone, the BHSU Choir, and the Community Orchestra on String Bass. During her time at BHSU, she co-directed the BHSU Pep Band, as well as assisting to organize events such as the Northern Hills Honors Band. 

 

Before graduation, Mallory accepted the all school band director position in Newcastle, Wyoming, where she taught for 2 1/2 years. After leaving the Newcastle school system, Mallory moved to Moscow, Idaho, where she began work on her Masters of Music Education Degree from Boston University. While her focus was developing music curriculum for rural music programs, Mallory worked closely with rural and urban school districts and communities across the country. 

 

In time, Mallory and her family moved back to South Dakota. Being back in her hometown, Mallory took a job at Pierre Music where she not only taught lessons but helped design and build a beginning summer band program for 5th grade students.

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In Rapid City, Mallory, along with her husband and three children, loves to spend time outdoors, hiking, kayaking and fishing. Mallory is also a published children's book author, where her characters discover the positive impact of music education on their lives, and how music does encourage creativity, emotional expression, and forms lasting connections. She also enjoys making music, practicing reading, writing and speaking Scottish Gaelic, having dancing parties with her family, and praising God's love.

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At Black Hills Studios of the Arts, Mallory works with students who specialize in band instruments, directs most of the band Music Education Outreach Programs, as well as handles the office and duties of the Executive Director. Mallory holds memberships with Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the Black Hills Chapter and National Association for Music Education, locally the South Dakota Music Education Association (SDMEA), in an effort to continue learning, network with other music educators, and allow her students more accessibility to local and state functions. Recently, Mallory was named a member of Yamaha's "40 Under 40" Class of 2024; this music education advocacy program began in 2021 to recognize and celebrate outstanding music educators.

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Black Hills Studios of the Arts is extremely close to her heart and she is incredibly anxious to continue to grow and expand programming!