PUSD’s Erin Johnson Connects Students and Community Through Song
By Tara Fort • Photo by Heather DeSousa
Throughout its history, Prescott’s music has been a link that brings community together with its many venues, musicians, actors, and theater. For Erin Johnson, Choral Director and Performing Arts Coordinator for Prescott Unified School District (PUSD), music is more than a subject in the classes she teaches. It’s a way to bridge an even broader connection with students, schools, and the Prescott community. Johnson has taught music at nearly every school within the district during her 13 years and currently leads choirs at Mile High Middle School and Prescott High School for students in grades seven through 12.
She said, “The best part of my job is doing what I love on a daily basis—and that includes one part teaching music and the other part teaching the human. I love seeing the ways that our students can get involved in our community and give back their gift of music.”
While balancing the various grades with their varying age levels and developmental changes Erin added, “Each age group brings such joy and creativity if you know how to tap into it.” And tapping into it is exactly what Erin does best. In both schools, she plays a vital role in supporting her students as well as her fellow educators while shaping the path for arts education.
She stated, “I love celebrating the wonderful things that happen through performances and the magic that happens every day in the classroom.”
PUSD Superintendent Clark Tenney said, “Erin Johnson is spectacular! Our schools’ performing arts programs are a very visible ‘tip’ of a wonderful ‘iceberg’ of successful student programs and achievement in PUSD. And what a terrific window for the public to see one of the many ways that PUSD students learn to develop talents, pursue excellence, learn collaboration and teamwork, and share their learning. For many students, choir class with Ms. Johnson is the highlight of their day, and one of the major reasons they want to come to school to learn additional great things with us like math, science and communication skills. Erin helps her students to work together, to have fun, to grow as musicians, and to shine!”
Outside of her PUSD role, Erin performs bassoon in local orchestras, churches, and musicals, and she serves as the Northwest Region Governor for the Arizona Music Educators Association, organizing festivals bringing together young musicians statewide. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in educational leadership and is an avid pickleball player. Yet, no matter where she is, Erin’s love for music is matched only by her commitment to people. Even a playful classroom tradition—saying “I tomato you” to express care and connection—reflects her welcoming spirit. With her leadership, PUSD’s performing arts programs have become more than just classes; they’ve become opportunities for students to make a difference, and for the community to come together—inspired and in harmony.
For more information about Erin Johnson and the Prescott Unified School District, visit www.prescottschools.com.