Carmen Holst

I am so excited for my second year at Spruce View School! Last year I taught Kindergarten and loved it but have moved into a new role as Fine Arts Specialist, teaching music, band, choir, and art.  

I grew up in a similarly sized school and rural community so being at Spruce View School makes me feel right at home.  I studied music, primarily clarinet, at Red Deer Polytechnic and visual art at Alberta University of the Arts.  My teaching degree is from the University of Alberta with a specialization in rural communities.  In preparation for my role as SVS’s music specialist, this past summer I completed Level One of the Kodály Certification Program through the University of Alberta.  

I’ve had some incredible opportunities and experiences particularly in music.  I was given a strong start having grown up in a very musical family, attending MusiCamp Alberta through high school, and participating in a variety of choirs, concert bands, and orchestras as an adult.  The arts have always been my “happy place” so I am honoured to be in a position where I’ll never really feel like I’m at work. 

My husband Justin and his family have a grain farm south of Benalto and we have settled here with our son Everett, our dog Lola, and two cats - Chaz and Big D.