Dr. Wendy van Gent, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Northern State University is a vocal educator with extensive experience in choral music, vocal jazz, private vocal instruction, musical theater, and all styles of Christian music. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University, a Master of Music Education from Michigan State University, and a PhD in Education (Educational Leadership with cognates in Music Education and Teacher Leadership) at Oakland University. Dr. van Gent spent ten years traveling throughout the United States and Europe as a performer. Her credits include the stage, radio, and television not only as a singer/dancer/actor, but also as a producer and director. For 16 years, Dr. van Gent was the Choral Director and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach, VA. She conducts choral clinics, adjudicates solo and ensemble festivals nation-wide, and is a member in good standing of MENC, SDMEA, ACDA, VCDA, AERA, and MSVMA.