A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Dawn Sechrist graduated from Baldwin Senior High School in 2004. She then went on to graduate from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2008. In 2020, Mrs. Sechrist earned her graduate degree in Wind Ensemble Conducting from Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Mrs. Sechrist studied horn with Dr. Abigail Pack at James Madison University. Mrs. Sechrist is also a student of the late Denis Abelson. While at James Madison, she performed in many small ensembles, the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Brass Band, and the Marching Royal Dukes.

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After college, Mrs. Sechrist worked as an administrator for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for six years. Highlights of her tenure include touring internationally with the orchestra managing the schedule of Music Director, Manfred Honeck and liaising with the Board of Trustees.  

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After working with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Mrs. Sechrist came back to the classroom to teach at Ringgold School District in Monongahela, PA. She served as the Assistant Band Director for the high school marching band and directed the front ensemble for Ringgold Indoor Percussion in addition to her curricular music teaching duties.

Mrs. Sechrist's professional affiliations include the NAfME (National Association for Music Education), VMEA (Virginia Music Educator’s Association), and VBODA (Virginia Band & Orchestra Association). When she is not making music, she enjoys spending time with her husband Chad and sons William and Xavier.