Lauren Breed

Lauren is an Elementary Music teacher with Omaha Public Schools and serves as a Show Choir Assistant for Lewis Central Show Choirs. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education with a vocal emphasis from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). During her time at UNL, Lauren enjoyed performing with University Singers, competing in NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), playing violin in the campus orchestra, and serving as President and Philanthropy Chair of Sigma Alpha Iota during the 2023 school year.

Lauren is passionate about teaching musical theatre, art song, and guiding singers as they prepare for musical and show choir auditions. A performer since the age of six, she has appeared in over 20 local musicals, with standout performances at Elkhorn Valley Community Theatre and Elkhorn Community Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, Nancy in Oliver!, and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She has also contributed to summer performing arts programs, helping students aged 6–18 discover their love for musical theatre.

In addition to teaching and performing, Lauren is a dedicated advocate for black composers in the world of music. She actively works to highlight underrepresented works through community events, competitions, and research. Lauren has organized concerts showcasing black composers, competed in black composer competitions, and participated in summer programs aimed at promoting their works. She is currently a member of the outreach and social media team for the Michigan Adult Summer Intensive Singing Down The Barriers, where she collaborates with Dr. Louise Toppin, a leading scholar in black composer studies, to create inclusive spaces for exploring and celebrating these works.

Lauren’s commitment to music and advocacy has earned her several accolades, including:

• Most Artistic Performance of an African American Composer (2022 West Central Regional NATS)

• Finalist (2023 George Shirley Vocal Music Competition)

• Helen S. Lane Memorial Scholarship (2023 SAI St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Vocal Competition)

• Winner of the Hall Johnson Spiritual Category (2023 West Central Regional NATS)

• Top 15 in the National Student Auditions for Hall Johnson Spirituals.

Through her teaching and performing, Lauren strives to inspire her students and audiences to explore diverse voices in music and bring greater recognition to composers whose work has historically been overlooked.