Elyse Brimeyer, Executive Director

Dear Heartland Youth Choir Families, Students, Staff, and Community Partners,

My name is Elyse Brimeyer, and I am honored and excited to serve as the new Executive Director of Heartland Youth Choir! Joining an organization so deeply committed to artistic excellence, youth development, belonging, and community through music is truly a privilege.

Music has been one of the most meaningful and constant influences throughout my life. From my own experiences participating in children’s choir programs to my professional career as a music educator and educational leader, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that choral experiences can have on young people. Music creates confidence, connection, discipline, creativity, joy, and a true sense of belonging. I believe each and every child deserves the opportunity to experience those gifts!

I began my career in education in 2007 as a Vocal and General Music Teacher with the Johnston Community School District. Early in my career, I discovered not only a passion for teaching, but also a deep commitment to leadership, organizational growth, and building positive learning communities where students and educators can thrive together.

In 2012, I had the opportunity to serve the Perry Community School District as Director of Teaching and Learning, leading curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development initiatives. From 2013–2022, I served as an Elementary Principal with the Urbandale Community School District, and most recently I have served as Preschool-6th Grade Principal with the United Community School District (Boone) since 2022. Across all of these roles, one consistent belief has guided my work: young people flourish when they are surrounded by caring adults, high expectations, meaningful opportunities, and environments where they feel valued and connected.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about relationship-building, collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and creating systems that support both excellence and accessibility. As I begin this new role with Heartland Youth Choir, I look forward to listening, learning, building connections, and working alongside student singers, families, staff, board members, alumni, donors, and community partners to continue strengthening and growing this incredible organization.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education K–12 from Iowa State University, a Master of Arts in Education from Viterbo University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Principal Licensure from Iowa State University. I also hold my PreK–12 Superintendent Licensure and am currently completing my Doctor of Education in Systems-Level Leadership (ABD) at Iowa State University.

Outside of my professional life, music is a central part of my family’s life. My husband, Ted, serves as Director of Children, Teens, and Families Ministries and Matins Choir at Plymouth Congregational Church and is also on the faculty at Drake University as Teaching Artist of Choirs and Private Voice Instructor. Together with our children — Malley (17), Saffi (15), and Augie (12) — our family stays busy with marching and jazz band, choir and show choir, school activities, soccer, and community involvement. We are grateful for the ways music continually brings joy, purpose, and connection into our lives.

I am incredibly excited for the future of Heartland Youth Choir and for the opportunity to support and celebrate the young people at the center of this organization’s mission. Thank you for welcoming me into the HYC community. I look forward to getting to know each of you and to continuing the important work of inspiring young people through the power of music.

With gratitude, Elyse Brimeyer
Executive Director, Heartland Youth Choir

Email: elyse@heartlandyouthchoir.org | Office: 515-221-3922