Elena Schoen Northen
Class of 2016
Concert Choir • Jazz Choir • Show Choir • Musical Theater • String Ensemble • Rock Band
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For Elena Schoen Northen, San Marin Performing Arts was where a lifelong love of music took shape—and where she formed relationships that continue to be an important part of her life today.
After graduating from San Marin, Elena attended San Francisco State University, earning a degree in music with a specialization in classical vocal performance. Today, she balances her work as a music educator with an active performing career throughout the Bay Area.
Upcoming performances can be found on Instagram at @elenasn_soprano.
Career HighlightsElena now teaches elementary music in the Novato Unified School District and will begin her fourth year of teaching this fall. She also assists San Marin’s fall musicals with her husband, Jesse, bringing her experience back to the program where they first met.
She performs professionally as a backup vocalist with Swifty and regularly sings with the Marin Symphony Chorus and Chamber Chorus. Her performance credits include productions with Marin Summer Theater, Novato Theater Company, Contemporary Opera Marin, Festival Opera, and Sonoma Arts Live.
In addition to performing, Elena has directed two children’s productions at Contra Costa Civic Theatre and enjoys writing her own music. She is currently rehearsing for Sonoma Arts Live’s production of Follies while continuing to perform regularly with Swifty and the Marin Symphony Chorus.
REFLECTIONS & ADVICEReflecting on her time at San Marin, Elena credits the performing arts program with teaching her the importance of perseverance, commitment, and professionalism.
“San Marin’s music program was so fun, but it also held us to a high standard that is still the foundation for me today. I so appreciate that balance of having fun while still taking music-making seriously.”
The relationships she formed through the program have also remained a meaningful part of her life. She met her husband through Musical Theater, and many of her closest friends today are people she met through him and the San Marin music program.
Elena has countless memories of working with Emily Gates, Allison McIvor, Pat Nims, and Kele Gasparini. Among the most meaningful was sharing performances with her younger sister during Elena’s senior year, then watching her sister continue building her own community and memories at San Marin.
Years later, Elena returned to the old San Marin stage—where she first met her future husband—and became engaged there, surrounded by friends and family.
Her advice to current students is to continue creating, whether or not they choose to pursue the performing arts professionally.
“San Marin is special because there are so many musical experiences open to students. Once you graduate, the world opens up and you can find even more experiences if you look for them—or even create them yourself. Music is for everyone. Even if it’s just picking up your instrument now and then, learning a song for fun, or singing with your friends in the car, keep making music. That’s what keeps us connected.”
