Meet our Directors: 

Mr. Saylor

Originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, Brian Saylor earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.  Mr. Saylor has completed Level One and Two Orff-Schulwerk Certification from the University of Kentucky, and he completed his Master’s Degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Mr. Saylor is currently in his 24th year of teaching and has had extensive experience in elementary music education and middle school choir prior to coming to Bismarck High School. He is currently beginning his 9th year as the Director of Choral Activities at Bismarck High School.  Mr. Saylor is currently the director of three performing choirs at Bismarck High School, including the Freshman Choir, Prep Choir, and Concert Choir.  His duties also include directing the Genesis Jazz Choir and the New Generation Jazz Choir, which perform extensively across the Bismarck-Mandan Area. 

Mr. Saylor has served as President of the North Dakota Music Educators Association (NDMEA) and currently holds the position of Advocacy Chair.  He has also served as the West Region Choral Representative of NDMEA and as a board member for the North Dakota American Choral Director’s Association (NDACDA) as the Repertoire/Standards Chair for High School Choirs and Show Choirs. 

Mr. Saylor has chaired several educational committees, including  Elementary Title One Coordinator and the AdvancedEd Team for Bismarck Public Schools. Mr. Saylor has presented multiple times at the North Dakota Music Educators Conference and the South Dakota Music Educators Conference.  He has also repeatedly submitted professional development articles for the NDMEA Journal, NDACDA Chorister, and is an active advocate for music education at the local, state and national level.  Mr. Saylor has served as performer, clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor throughout the region.  He has two children, Brady (Majoring in Music Education at the University of Mary) and Brianna (8th Grader at WMS). In his free time he enjoys singing and playing with the local band "OverEducated" and running.

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Mrs. Peterson

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Alyssa Peterson is from Bismarck, North Dakota where she graduated from Century High School. She then attended NDSU and earned a degree in vocal music education. She was active in many ensembles at NDSU including the NDSU Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, Gold Star Marching Band, and various small group ensembles.

This is Mrs. Peterson's 3rd year as the Associate Choir Director at BHS and is beginning her first year as Director of Choral Activities at Wachter Middle School where she will conduct 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Choir as well as Show Choir. She enjoys directing the BHS Children’s choir & teaching piano lessons,.  Alyssa recently got married to Nick, and they enjoy many things together including hiking, making music together, and spending time with family.