“One of my favorite parts of teaching younger students is getting to see them experience things for the first time. I was their introduction to choir a lot of the time, their first choir teacher. I got to see them have those moments like, ‘Whoa, we can do this, we can sing together, we can sound really cool.’ Eventually, they can tell you, ‘we were not singing with tall vowels right there.’ They call each other out on it. With kids that young, a lot of it is just that they’re not used to that soundscape; they’re not used to singing in a group. That exposure helps raise the ability level.”

Molly Toups is a second-year graduate student at Louisiana State University (LSU) currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she graduated summa cum laude from LSU in 2018, earning her undergraduate degree in vocal music education and obtaining a University Medal. Throughout her studies, she has performed with the LSU A Cappella Choir, LSU Chorale, LSU Chamber Singers, and LSU Gospel Choir. Additionally, she has conducted the LSU Chamber Singers and LSU Chorale while obtaining her graduate degree.

Ms. Toups taught music and choir in local public schools for six years before returning to graduate studies. In her most recent position, she worked as choir director and music teacher at Copper Mill Elementary in Zachary Community School District from 2021 to 2024. During her tenure there, the choral program doubled in size. Her choirs consistently achieved superior ratings at assessments, and her students were frequently selected for honor choirs at the local, state, regional, and national levels. She has been an active member of the American Choral Directors Association and Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA), previously serving as Elementary Co-Chair and Secretary of her local choral directors’ association. She recently served as guest clinician for the LMEA District VIII Elementary Honor Choir in February 2025, and she has been a frequent adjudicator for honor choir auditions and vocal rallies.

Ms. Toups has sung with a variety of choral ensembles in recent years, including Red Shift Choir, Opus Ensemble, VIVA, and the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus. She currently serves as the music director at Christ the King Catholic Church at LSU and is a cantor at various churches within the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Ms. Toups believes in providing quality musical opportunities for all students and fostering a life-long pursuit of learning. She has completed Level I of Kodály training and Levels I, II, and III of Orff Schulwerk certification.

To get in touch with Molly, you can email her at mollytoups1@gmail.com.

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Photo in episode artwork by Trace Hudson