Meet Our Teachers
Jennifer Haynes
Jennifer Haynes is an experienced music educator with a career spanning over two decades, specializing in general and vocal music across various grade levels. She holds a Master's degree in Music Education from SUNY Potsdam, graduating with distinction, and a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Fredonia. Jennifer is permanently certified in Music by the New York State Department of Education. Currently, she serves as the General Music Teacher for K-4 at Sherman and North Elementary Schools in the Watertown City School District. Throughout her career, she has taught in multiple districts, including Whitney Point, Lyme Central, and Gouverneur, and has directed musical productions, coached students for NYSSMA festivals, and provided vocal training. Beyond the classroom, Jennifer is an active member of professional music associations, directs community theater, and performs as a soloist.
Mary Dawn Burdette
Mary Dawn Burdette received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and her Masters in Music Education from Ithaca College. Miss Burdette has also received Permanent Certification to teach Music from NYSED for Kindergarten through 12th grades. Miss Burdette worked at LaFargeville Central School as their Director of Bands and Instrumental Instructor for 33 years. While teaching, Miss Burdette had three or four different concert bands annually, a marching band and a community jazz band. Miss Burdette also taught general music classes including high school theory, music history and music styles and composers. Miss Burdette helped students achieve goals such as acceptance to select groups like Bi County’s, Area All State and Conference All State groups. She also has prepared students for college and military band auditions and taught students who have become professional musicians and educators. COVID pushed Miss Burdette into early retirement and she is currently accepting private students who wish to play just about anything (flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, percussion drum set, mallets, marching percussion, violin, viola, classical beginning guitar and piano).
Ellie (Lindsay) Paranzino
Lindsay Paranzino “Ellie” is a Registered Behavior Technician with over seven years’ experience supporting children with diverse needs. She implements specialized programs for those with developmental, emotional, and intellectual disabilities and is dedicated to quality care. Starting at CMS in the 2024-2025 school year, Lindsay teaches special learners, serves on the board of directors, and is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Empire State College.
Joe Foy
Joseph Foy holds a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Bard College, with additional coursework in music theory and participation in college-level ensembles. Joe plays bass, guitar, piano, and sings in several groups in the Watertown area including the rock group, Oceans Below, and the jazz/rock group, Segue. Joe has been teaching and assisting with community program development for CMS in Watertown since 2022.
Joe is also the President and Founder of Harmonny Performing Arts Community
Ben Sharrin
Ben Sharrin holds degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College (BA) and SUNY Potsdam (MA). Ben has been an active music teacher since 2009. He has held the position of 6th Grade String Director at Indian River Central School District, Cello and Low String Instructor at Trillium Strings, and 7/8th Grade Director at North Rockland Middle School. Ben specializes in cello, violin, viola, and upright bass. He is also a music producer who mixes, masters, arranges, and composes under the pseudonym CelloBearMusic. Ben has taught string lessons for CMS in Watertown since 2022.
Joshua Varela
Is Awesome
Tim Martuzas
Tim is Awesome!
Harmony Malewich
Harmony Malewich is an experienced vocalist with a strong background in musical theatre and various music styles. She has performed widely within her community, earning recognition for her talent and dedication. Harmony has completed advanced training through programs like the New York State Summer School of the Arts and the New York State Theater Association Conference. She emphasizes stage presence and confidence in her teaching and actively volunteers, supporting arts initiatives and individuals with special needs. Harmony inspires students to grow artistically and personally, helping them develop their voices and find confidence on stage.
Amanda Morrison
Amanda is awesome
Nick DeForest
Nick Rocks!
Ian Goins
Ian Goins has studied drums and percussion for nearly a decade, learning under Mary Dawn Burdette and developing skills in music theory and performance. He plays and teaches multiple percussion instruments and styles, participated in NYSSMA solo festivals, bi-county concerts, and Area All-State during high school, and has taught percussion at CMS in Watertown since 2022. Ian now directs the ensemble program and serves on the board of directors.
Morgan Townsend
Morgan Townsend is a skilled music educator and performer with over ten years' experience teaching piano and electronic music. A SUNY Fredonia School of Music graduate, Morgan blends classical and contemporary training to offer innovative, comprehensive instruction. She inspires students of all ages and abilities, adapting lessons for beginners and advanced learners alike in piano technique, jazz improvisation, and digital composition. Morgan's expertise spans traditional and modern practices, helping students discover their musical potential across genres and platforms, from acoustic instruments to digital workstations.
Abigail King
She is awesome too
Meet Our Admin Team
Christian Schenk - Treasurer
Christian Schenk holds a Bachelor’s degree in music from the Berklee College of Music and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Southern New Hampshire University.
Molly Culley - New Student Coordinator
Molly is awesome