Erin Ayer is the Choral Director for all students in sixth through eighth grade at Amherst Middle School. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Houghton College in 2003, followed by her Master’s Degree in Education with a music concentration from the University at Buffalo in 2007. She began her teaching career in Amherst in the spring of 2004 and continues to enjoy being part of this community today.
At Amherst Middle School, Mrs. Ayer conducts the Sixth Grade Chorus, Seventh and Eighth Grade Chorus, and Eighth Grade Choir, involving nearly 300 students each year in the choral program. Additionally, she coordinates and directs three extracurricular ensembles: Pop Chorus, Barbershop, and Beautyshoppe. She also serves as the director of the annual musical production each winter.
Mrs. Ayer served as the Vice President of the Erie County Music Educators Association (ECMEA) for six years, is a past member of the Executive Board for ECMEA, and also served as their Choral Committee Chairperson. She is a past member of the Curriculum Committee for the New York State School of Music Association (NYSSMA). Her experiences with these professional groups as well as in the choral classroom have provided her the opportunity to present workshops in local and state conferences on musical curriculum, instruction, and educational standards throughout New York State and beyond. She received the PTSA Teacher of the Year Award in 2012 from the Amherst PTSA.
In addition to her conducting responsibilities at school, Mrs. Ayer is a frequent guest conductor for honor choirs throughout the region. As a musician, she sings with the Vocalis Chamber Choir, and is an active accompanist in the Buffalo area.