Bingham Orchestras
2025-2026 Orchestra Council
President: Samara Perry
Vice President: Helena Chau
Secretary: Jackie Tran
Historian: Brett Matthews
Socials: Alison Altamirano
Head Librarians: Sophia Scott, Zoë Helgeson
Assistant Librarians: Dylan McHenry, Sarah Taylor
Woodwind/Brass Representative: Wesley Truman
Introducing the new director for the Bingham High School Orchestras:
My name is Jillian Christensen, and I’m thrilled to be stepping in as the new orchestra teacher at Bingham High School next year! As a proud Bingham alumnus (Class of 2006), I couldn't be more excited to return and lead the program that had such a profound impact on my own life!
It has been such a pleasure to visit your classroom and to watch you perform at region, state, and at Libby Gardner Hall—I’ve already seen so much talent, enthusiasm, and heart. I’m truly looking forward to getting to know each of you!
To help you get to know me as well, I wanted to share a bit about myself. My musical journey began right here in Jordan School District, playing viola with the after-school orchestra at Elk Meadows Elementary. I attended South Jordan Middle and then played under Dr. Thompson at Bingham High School. Performing with the Bingham Orchestras and Symphony, going on orchestra tour, and serving on orchestra council as Assistant and Head Librarian are some of my favorite memories from my teenage years. I continued playing while attending BYU and then transitioned to performing with the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra while raising my family. My husband Justin and I have four children, two of whom started on strings with the Suzuki method. My desire to give them the opportunity to play with an orchestra led me to start an early morning string program at their elementary school. I was thrilled when the opportunity then arose to move up with my students and continue teaching them at Oquirrh Hills Middle School. Teaching my own children and the students in my Riverton community these past four years has been incredibly rewarding—witnessing their musical growth and the strong sense of community in our classroom inspired me to pursue my Master’s in Music Education.
When Dr. Thompson announced his retirement earlier this year, he asked me to consider applying. (To be honest, I laughed in his face because who could possibly fill those enormous shoes?!) Nevertheless, the more I reflected on the impact his program had on my life and so many others, the more I felt compelled to reconsider and submit my application. I feel deeply honored—and rather humbled—to carry on Dr. Thompson's incredible legacy. His dedication and expertise have forged a renowned music program at Bingham High School, and I am wholeheartedly committed to continuing its tradition of excellence.
I cannot wait to meet all of you and make music together! If you have any questions for me or about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Jillian.Christensen@JordanDistrict.org
When Dr. Thompson announced his retirement earlier this year, he asked me to consider applying. (To be honest, I laughed in his face because who could possibly fill those enormous shoes?!) Nevertheless, the more I reflected on the impact his program had on my life and so many others, the more I felt compelled to reconsider and submit my application. I feel deeply honored—and rather humbled—to carry on Dr. Thompson's incredible legacy. His dedication and expertise have forged a renowned music program at Bingham High School, and I am wholeheartedly committed to continuing its tradition of excellence.
I cannot wait to meet all of you and make music together! If you have any questions for me or about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Jillian.Christensen@
