She became assistant dean of the School of Music at the University of Oregon, and she conducted the university's orchestra as well as the Emerald Chamber Orchestra for 14 years. Mabrey's interest in education also led to her work as a consultant for orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra. She started both this past fall. Helping public schools She could have looked for a university position, but Mabrey feels she's of more use in the public school system. There are bright spots, but there's also so much that has disappeared.
Some programs are great in elementary school, and then there's no place to go.
In Bellevue, Mabrey says she has found a place where she can help make music thrive. Learning music helps kids grow in so many ways. They sit down, practice, contain themselves, improve their skills and work together. They become better students and better people. Mabrey, who teaches at Newport High and Chinook Middle School, just laughs.