pathstoexcel

Ruth Catchen received her Bachelor of Music degree from American University and her Master of Music degree from The Catholic University of America, in Vocal Performance and performed with many distinguished opera companies, conductors and orchestras in the United States. During that time, she created a series of lecture recitals called “opera coffees” in which she performed and discussed the history of pieces of music and operatic traditions. Later in her career, she turned her direction to music education and founded a youth chorale with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra in Naples, Florida. This group grew from 45 children to over a hundred from a three county area. They performed with the orchestra as well as with well-known conductors such as Pops great, Erich Kunzel.
After moving to Colorado, Catchen focused her attention to public education, hoping to better its quality and depth. She received her second master’s degree in 2007 from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in Curriculum and Instruction/Leadership. Since then, she has worked in developing arts integrated curriculum programs for various schools and school districts. Her work has included the creation, development and marketing of educational programs through social media. Currently, through her work with Incite! Paths to Excellence, Ruth brings educational opportunities to disadvantaged youth, schools, and other non-profit organizations. Her passion is and remains to bring education and the arts to life for children.