People

Bonnie Krider, Director

Bonnie Krider is in her ninth year of teaching, and currently serves as the Director of Choral Activites at Rising Starr Middle School, working previously as the chorus director at Lee Middle School.  She is active in the Georgia Music Educators’ Association, serving as organizer for the District VI Solo and Ensemble event and regularly bringing singers to District Honors Chorus, All State Chorus, and Large Group Performance Evaluation. At Rising Starr Middle School, she conducts three treble choirs, a men’s ensemble, and an advanced mixed chorus.  She also co-directs the Collaborate music inclusion class/ performances, and serves as a Community for Creativity faculty mentor.

Passionate about choral music for all ages, Ms. Krider also works as Associate Minister at Newnan First United Methodist Church and sings with the Masterworks Chorale of Coweta. Ms. Krider has served as musical director for productions at Northgate High School and Newnan Theater Company. She regularly performs as a soloist and has performed with choirs in Austria, Italy, Spain, Kenya, Ireland, and England. She holds degrees in music education from Florida State University and University of Georgia, and resides in Newnan, GA. 

Christy Shockley, Accompanist

Christy Shockley is a graduate of Samford University and currently works as an accompanist for Rising Starr Middle and McIntosh High Schools, both in Fayette County. She accompanies choral groups in churches in the Fayette County area and enjoys playing for concerts,  weddings, receptions, and helping high school students prepare for vocal auditions. She has taught piano in her home for ten years, primarily to homeschool students, and enjoys helping them earn credit for their music curriculum requirements.  She fell in love with accompanying as a middle school student herself, working with children’s, youth, and Sanctuary choirs at her church, and carried her love of music to Samford University, where she worked in the School of Music accompanying freshmen and sophomore voice classes. She lives in Peachtree City with her husband Kenny, and their three children.

Brad Confer, Rock Friday Program Collaborator, The Stage Academy of Music

Brad Confer began playing guitar freshman year of college at the behest of his roommate, who needed a bassist for jam sessions. A year and a half later, he was accepted into the University of Georgia’s music program. Shortly thereafter he began his first private lesson gig and also graduated with a marketing degree, leaving behind his accumulated music credits. In 2002, after a brief pursuit of a songwriting career, Brad began teaching private lessons. He taught at his home, Music and Arts, Kedron Aquatic Center, Eagle’s Nest Co-op, and Woodward Academy. In 2007 he opened The Stage Academy of Music and has been teaching and developing curriculum ever since. Learn more about the Stage Academy of Music and the RockFriday Program curriculum at www.TheStageAcademyofMusic.com.