Artistic Director
As Graland’s artistic director, Mrs. Tara Neeley serves as a part-time administrator and part-time teacher, helping to enrich learning through the arts and support Graland’s mission to educate the whole child. In addition to her passion for music, she also practices pyrography — the art of woodburning. Ask her about her favorite piece she’s created!
Impacting Students
I really enjoy teaching a spoken poem in our Pre-K pirate unit called “The Ship Goes Sailing.” Students explore the music through multiple playful iterations — using hand percussion to find a steady beat, xylophones for high/low sounds, and parachute movement to mimic the rolling waves. The highlight is always when “Goldie” the fish goes flying off the parachute during the storm! There’s laughter, music, and learning all happening at once — that is what it’s all about.
I really enjoy teaching a spoken poem in our Pre-K pirate unit called “The Ship Goes Sailing.” Students explore the music through multiple playful iterations — using hand percussion to find a steady beat, xylophones for high/low sounds, and parachute movement to mimic the rolling waves. The highlight is always when “Goldie” the fish goes flying off the parachute during the storm! There’s laughter, music, and learning all happening at once — that is what it’s all about.
Lifelong Learner
One of my favorite professional learning experiences was a Lynn Kleiner workshop focused on teaching music to young children. It taught me how one song can be adapted in endless ways to teach musical concepts through singing, movement, and manipulatives — going deeper and deeper into playful learning.
Favorite Teaching Moment
Grandparents and Special Friends Day with Kindergarten. Watching all of our guests dancing and singing with children — not just their own, but everyone’s — reminded me of the power of music to bring people of all ages together.
Professional Passion
Connecting music with other subjects and classes, composing short songs for early childhood and elementary students, and teaching instrumental music and music theory.
The Music That Moves Me
I love the Romantic period — it’s full of emotion, innovation, and expressive depth. The composers of that era expanded the possibilities of music, and I find their bold creativity endlessly inspiring.
Life Goal
To publish a book.
Fun Fact
I was Newspaper Carrier of the Year in eighth grade! I delivered 150 papers a day on inline skates, and learned valuable lessons in respect, storytelling, and customer service — plus how to skate really well (especially when chased by dogs).
Favorite Childhood Memory
Spending time outside with my many pets — including a rescued duck — or photographing nature. I was an only child, so these moments were full of wonder and discovery.
Joined Graland In
2017
Also Known As
Music Conservatory Teacher, Character Task Force Member, Music Director for Grade 5 Musical
Hometown
Wooster, Ohio
Education
Master’s in Music Education from University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor’s in Music Education from Ohio Northern University
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
