Jacquelyn Clayton was born and raised in the Central Valley of CA. Her love of music began in elementary school, singing in choirs both at church and in school. She even picked up the violin for a few years, until middle school when choir became her passion. By her senior year, she was in 3 advanced choirs, advanced drama, and advanced dance production classes, and leading worship in her youth group. She also enjoyed the lead roles in several of her high school musical productions including Rizzo in Grease and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Suffice it to say, her time spent in various choirs and the performing arts spurred her on to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, emphasis in voice from Bethany University in the redwood mountains of Santa Cruz, CA. Shortly after college graduation, she spent a short time teaching K-5th elementary classroom music at Holy Cross School in Santa Cruz before marrying her high school sweetheart, Christopher. The Army brought them to Savannah, GA where they were stationed for 4+ years and Jacquelyn sang as a Second Soprano with the Savannah Philharmonic and led worship with her church until her husband’s enlistment ended. In 2013, Chris then got a chance to change tires in NASCAR which brought them to Charlotte, which has been their home ever since. For the last 10+ years, Jacquelyn grew her family and served as a vocalist/worship leader for her church and various ministries throughout the greater Charlotte area. For the last 4+ years, she has worked as an elementary classroom music instructor for Freedom Academy, a K-8 homeschool co-op operating out of her church. Jacquelyn’s love of music, choir, musical theater, as well as teaching kids has led her to this incredible opportunity to teach at Bradford Preparatory. Jacquelyn loves Bradford, as all three of her children have attended since kindergarten. She and her family enjoy attending local dirt track and NASCAR races, camping, bike riding, playing Pokémon, and serving in church together. She also enjoys roller coasters, karaoke, and has recently picked up crocheting! Jacquelyn has also professionally recorded background vocals for well-known local artists such as John Mark McMillan and Suzy Yaraei. She is excited for this new adventure!