Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Carole Ott moved to Cincinnati, Ohio
with her family when she was 13.  After high school, she attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as a French hornist and Music Education major. Through her experiences there, she discovered that her true passion was choral music and her focus began to shift from an instrumental perspective to a vocal one.  After graduating, she taught choir and band in a public school system in Southern Indiana for a year, and then had an opportunity to return to a school system just north of Cincinnati where she had student taught.

Carole spent three years there teaching a variety of levels from 5th grade beginners to one of the high school ensembles, while also instructing the high school marching band's color guard.  In her final year of teaching, she was drawn back to choral music, took voice lessons again, and also traveled frequently to New York City for conducting lessons with the Director of Choral Activities at Juilliard, Judith Clurman.

For the past two years Carole has been studying conducting at the University of Michigan under Jerry Blackstone.  She received her Master's degree in April and will begin doctoral studies this fall.  In addition to the regular requirements of the Masters/Doctoral program, Carole directs the University of Michigan Arts Chorale, a campus choir consisting of students from all areas of study.  She also directs the Michigan Youth Ensembles Women's Chorale, a high school honors choir for students all over the state.

Carole is thrilled to be here at First Baptist Church and looks forward to meeting everyone, so please feel free to introduce yourself.