Greetings!

I would like to take a second and introduce myself. My name is Mrs. Kramkowski and I am the Instrumental Music teacher here at Shaw VPA. I have been a member of the Shaw VPA family since 2008.

I am originally from Long Island, New York (not the city) and had a potato farm behind my house. Growing up on Long Island, you either farmed or fished. My uncle had a fish market and my father’s cousin had a fishing boat. My grandfather farmed potatoes. In high school and college, I worked at Braun's Seafood fish market as a fishmonger.

I was very active in a lot of things besides music. I was on the Varsity Field Hockey team, Softball team and Boys bowling team (since there was no girls team). I was also in NJROTC and the first female altar server in my church.

Musically, I was a member of the school band (flute) and choir (soprano).

Following high school I went to Catawba College (Salisbury, NC) on a field hockey and softball scholarship as a music major… yes, I had no life. After an arm injury (I was a pitcher) my freshmen year, I just played field hockey (NCAA Division 2 Goalie and, to add, I was ranked #11^th in the Nation for Goalies my sophomore year).

At Catawba, I was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Flute Choir, and CMENC (chapter president).

After graduation, I went straight to Murray State University (Murray, KY) to complete my Master’s Degree. I knew that if I didn’t go straight though I would not go back. When I was at Murray State, I was graduate assistant with the bands. I worked with the 230 piece Racer Marching Band, Pep Band, Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. We marched at the 2006 Bands of America Grand National Championships as the exhibition band. I also got to take the pep band to the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (we took UNC to the buzzer and lost by 4).

After Murray State, I taught 1 year with the Crystal City Public Schools and then have been at Shaw VPA ever since. I love our students and the Panda Pride! Our students have performed at the Fox Theater, Powell Hall, Enterprise Center (WWE Monday Night Raw) and other places around the St. Louis region. With some of the restrictions lifted, I hope to get our kids out more and exposed to all that is offered in St. Louis.

Whenever I hear about a cheap or free event I will definitely let you know (coupon queen here). I want you as a family to also get out and involve yourself in the arts.

Outside of Shaw VPA, I am married to my husband, Dave. We went to rival high schools in NY and were married in 2005 in the same church as our parents and grandparents. Prior to moving to St. Louis Dave was a volunteer firefighter in the Southold Fire Department and also a 9/11 rescuer (he comes from a long line of Southold Firefighters).  

We have a daughter, Natalie, who is 9. She also plays ice hockey for the St. Louis Lady Cyclones.

I am a diehard Yankee Fan! Yogi Berra (10 World Series Rings) attended Shaw School. I also play flute at my church, St. Stanislaus Koskta Polish Catholic Church. I like to work on my car, fish, and I love history. 

If I can help you in anyway please let me know. You can reach out to me on Dojo or email me at Carolyn.Kramkowski@slps.org. You can also call the school at 314-776-5091. Let’s have a great school year!