Tagen Kaestner, TCS Youth Choirs Director:
Tagen Kaestner’s musicianship began in her early childhood, singing and playing various stringed instruments alongside musicians such as Ann Armstrong and Steve Hughes. She was an avid member of local performance groups, including the Punta Gorda Guitar Army and the Burnt Store Presbyterian Players. As she continued to grow in her performance abilities, she received letters and awards for the competitive choir, Charisma (an elite vocal ensemble), and her Thespian Troupe 0922.
Tagen earned her Bachelor of Arts at New College of Florida, where she studied Developmental Psychology and Vocal Music. Studying under highly-regarded musicians and directors, including Stephen Miles, Francis Schwartz, and Robert Mirabel, Tagen was a frequent performer with New Music New College, exploring contemporary and experimental music. During Tagen’s time at New College, she joined and eventually directed New College’s student acapella group, Acapellago. She also took a summer internship in music education, directing a small children’s ensemble at the Stillwater Foundation in Durango, Colorado. She then wrote her BA Thesis on Music Training Type and Working Memory Components, using music education at a local Montessori school as part of the study. After graduating, she moved to Telluride in 2017.
Like many Telluridians, Tagen pursues many passions within the local community, and is a river guide during the summer seasons. She has been directing TCS’s Youth Choirs since 2024 and strives to grow the Telluride Choral Society’s youth program to provide Telluride students with meaningful experiences, music education, and performance opportunities.
