Senior Spotlight: Naomi Noel

It’s no exaggeration to say that music has been a defining feature of Naomi Noel’s life. From hymns in church to working with a multitude of instruments in her middle and high school bands, it brought structure and joy to her days. When the time came to pick a college, Naomi wanted a place where music was part of the environment. 

“I had an amazing experience when I toured Clarke,” Naomi said. “I immediately connected with the faculty and you could feel that love of music, even just walking down the hall in Eliza Kelly. They have photos of generations of graduates there and I found my great-great aunt. That environment made it feel like home right away.” 

As a Music Education major, Naomi had many opportunities to contribute to the Clarke community, but also greater Dubuque. Though she studied piano with Dr. Keisy Peyerl Xavier, she performed on flute and percussion in Wind Ensemble, saxophone and bass in Jazz Ensemble, and even double bass in String Ensemble. She taught locally at the elementary, middle, and high school level thanks to her Education Methods courses. Perhaps most importantly, Naomi was also able to share her growing skill set as a Next Generation Worship Leader with her home church, Crossroads, in Peosta, Iowa. 

“Clarke has offered so many amazing professional experiences, like performing for area organizations or attending the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival near Chicago,” Naomi said. “I never wanted to go to school far from home, yet I’ve been able to experience all these fantastic things through Clarke.” 

Naomi has also been able to add professional instruction experience to her resume thanks to her work at Centrally Rooted. The music education non-profit is run by Clarke alumna Callie (Mescher) FitzGerald ’07 and employs many instructors with Clarke connections. 

“Centrally Rooted is such a rewarding experience because I get to work one-on-one with students,” Naomi said. “To see them flourish really drives home that I’m in the right career.” 

To finish up her degree, Naomi has been student teaching at Mazzuchelli Middle School in Dubuque. She joked it felt like an early graduation present when she received a job offer from Mazzuchelli to teach 5th and 6th grade band and 7th & 8th grade general music courses following her graduation.  

“I’ve had so many opportunities to connect with the community thanks to Clarke. I am excited to start this new chapter and set even deeper roots with this community.”