About Me

Hi there! It's nice to meet you. My name is Erica Yanek, and I'm ecstatic to begin my career in teaching starting this fall. I am 22 years old and graduated from Baylor University with my Bachelor of Music Education (Choral Emphasis) in May of 2024. I hold a valid TEA certification (Texas) for Music (EC-12) and a valid FLDOE Certification (Florida) for Music (K-12). I student taught at La Vega Elementary in Bellmead, TX under Gretchen Jarosek and at Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, TX under Dorothy Wilson. After graduating, I completed a 6-month internship through the Disney College Program in Orlando, FL, and am currently substitute teaching in Katy ISD. Though I am originally from Midland, Michigan, I am a proud product of the public Texas Music Education system. I call Houston my home and attended Katy ISD where I was heavily involved in both choir and theater from grades 6-12, though I also grew up singing and acting in community choirs and theaters. These experiences- and the incredible educators who taught me- inspired a strong passion for singing and the choral arts, which led me to pursue a degree in Choral Music Education. During my time at Baylor, I had the opportunity to invest in and fine-tune both my pedagogical technique and teaching capabilities through hands-on K-12 experience. I've had the privilege of singing in Baylor A Capella Choir, Baylor Chamber Singers, Baylor Opera Theater, and Early Music Ensemble, traveling abroad with Bella Voce, performing in professional ensembles like Vox Seraphim (Handel's Messiah) and International Collegiate Conducting Masterclass (ICCM), and being an invited TMEA Region soloist. While in college I was also the Assistant Director of Youth Choirs (ages 4-9 and 10-18) at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in the Waco area. When I'm not singing I love to read a good book, find new bands to listen to, play video games and D&D, build Legos, or binge-watch a show with friends!