Meet Our Directors

Sarah Brammer is in her first year of teaching and serves as the Crosby-Ironton Choral Director. She teaches 7th/8th grade Treble Choir, 7th/8th grade Baritone Choir, and an 8th-grade class called Student Skills. She also directs the 9th-grade Concert Choir and the Acapella choir for grades 10 through 12, as well as a musical theater class (grades 9-12).

In addition to these classes, Sarah leads several small auditioned ensembles, including Bella Voce (7th/8th grade treble ensemble), Triple Trio (9th-12th grade treble ensemble), and Chamber (9th-12th grade mixed ensemble).

Sarah graduated in May 2024 from the University of Minnesota with a degree in music education, specializing in choral studies. In her free time she enjoys crafting, thrifting, and playing pickleball. 

Gabrielle Van Grootheest is the Director of Bands at Crosby-Ironton where she directs 5th grade band, 6th grade band, Concert Band (7th/8th grades) and Symphonic Bands (9th-12th grades), as well as other various ensembles, such as the Ranger Pep Band and jazz band. She graduated from the College of Saint Scholastica in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Instrumental Music Education. While living in Duluth, she was extremely active in the music scene, playing in the CSS Concert Band, CSS Flute Choir/North Winds Flute Ensemble, CSS Jazz Band, CSS Drumline, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth Athletic Bands (both marching and pep bands).

Her professional affiliations include the Minnesota Band Director Association (MNDBA) and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Before teaching, she was the Assistant Marching Instructor for the Saints Marching Band at St. Peter High School. 

When not teaching or performing, Gabrielle enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family and cat.

Jen Mickels is the Elementary Music Teacher at Cuyuna Range Elementary School where she teaches Kindergarten through 6th grade Music. Jen graduated from North Dakota State University and took her first teaching job teaching Kindergarten & First grade Music and 5th through 12th grade Band in Ortonville, MN. This is her sixth year being a teacher and her third year teaching at CRES, which she is loving! Jen plays the French Horn in the Central Lakes College Wind Symphony in Brainerd. 

In her free time, Jen loves hiking with her dog, Ollie. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.