Josephine Loraine Jones Walker-Halsted

I taught music and theater for over 30 years and was the director of a children's theater company here in Andover, Merrimack Junior Theater. I have many former students now working in theater in many different capacities and teachers, directors, writers and performers, several on Broadway and TV. My children give me great pride. Shorey is a performer in New York and has taught at the American Academy of Theater Arts in New York. Dr. Sarah is a scientist and works in Bali, Indonesia, Nathan is an artist in California, and Billy is a wonderful man who joined our family as an older hard-to-place twelve year old. They have provided me and my husband with six delightful grandchildren. My most joyful time is when they all join us at our cottage in the mountains. Catching and naming frogs is a particular favorite activity..

After graduating from high school, I went on to become an early childhood teacher. Happily, I discovered I could teach music instead (a truly brilliant move). I became a level 3 Orff instructor, I also studied at the Hart School of Music under John Feierabend. But, the real joy I had in learning/teaching music was with Mr. Rose in the chorus. He made me a big part (I thought) of the music department when he made me the student to organize and do some directing of the chorus. I was so proud to earn a music letter, as important to me as a senior's football letter.