Our Directors

Sarah Klinger

Sarah Klinger is a graduate of James Madison University. She studied Saxophone under Professor David Pope. She was a member and section leader of the Marching Royal Dukes for four years. She marched in the 2008 Macy's Day Parade and participated in a variety of other performances while with the Marching Royal Dukes. Ms. Klinger was a member of the James Madison University Instrumental performing groups, including the jazz band and Wind Symphony. She has played in several musical pits such as “The Sound of Music,” “Annie,” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She participated in the study abroad program for the Festival International de Jazz Montreal. She has attended a variety of concerts, music festivals, conferences, and conventions. She was a member and president of Tau Beta Sigma, which is a band service sorority. She volunteered and oversaw several projects such as MRD crews, canned food drives, Toys for Tots, and Adopt a Highway.

Sarah Klinger was born in South Jersey and attended Kingsway High School in Swedesboro. While in high school, she studied saxophone privately with David Cubbler. She was drum major of marching band, a section leader in both concert band and jazz band, a member of the chorus, performed in several drama productions, and was captain of the swim team. She performed with several university honor bands including Rowan University and West Chester University. Ms. Klinger was also a member of the Bonsal Blues, an American Legion Regiment Band.

Before taking over as the Director of Bands at Thomas Dale High School, Ms. Klinger was the 6-12 instrumental music instructor for Amelia County Public Schools. She tripled the size of the Amelia Band program in her three year tenure. While under her direction, the Amelia Band participated in VBODA State Assessment, The Festival of Music, and Longwood Honors Band.

Currently, Ms. Klinger teaches at Thomas Dale High School where she leads the Thomas Dale Marching Knights, the Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Band, and the Concert Band. Ms. Klinger is actively involved with the Center for the Arts. She instructs the second level of Musician’s Studio and coaches several small ensembles/soloists while participating in the Center for the Arts Saxophone Quartet. Ms. Klinger is also teaches advanced guitar at Thomas Dale. While under her tenure at Thomas Dale, the bands have received numerous superior ratings and retains its status a Governor’s Blue Ribbon School. She has had students participate in All District Band, All Virginia Band, All Virginia Jazz, Senior Regional Orchestra, Governor’s School, the Greater RIchmond Youth Wind Ensemble, and the Greater Richmond Youth Jazz Ensemble. She currently has students studying music at Shenandoah Conservatory for Music, James Madison University, Peabody Conservatory for Music, Virginia State University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Ms. Klinger is currently pursuing her Master’s in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She plays the saxophone with the Commonwealth Winds and various other performing groups throughout the Greater Richmond Area.