It isn’t unusual for wonderful music to be flowing out of the choir room, but they haven’t been this in tune since accompanist Julie Bosworth pitched in her talents two years ago.

From day one, choir director Sheree Stoppel remembered how great it was to have an accompanist to assist her during classes.

“A good accompanist knows where I’m going back to, can play the pitches before I even give them to the kids … and she can do that for me,” Stoppel said.

As of four years ago, Stoppel was doing the job of a director and an accompanist at the same time. Knowing that she was doing a disservice to her students by trying to do it all, Stoppel, as well as parents, students, and community members took the problem to administration. After an evening of reviewing spreadsheets and listening to advocates, former superintendent Dr. Doug Sumner saw the necessity for the position.

Two years and two accompanists later, a mutual friend of Stoppel told Bosworth about the new job opening. Accompanying part-time at Pioneer Trails Middle School, Bosworth decided to interview for Mill Valley’s position as well.

Not long after, Bosworth got the job. Her transition into a new school went well, thanks to the friendly and welcoming students.

“The kids and [Stoppel] just accepted me from day one and everybody’s polite and just kind,” Bosworth said. “[Stoppel] is the best at what she does and she’s just wonderful to work for.”

Bosworth has been involved with the piano for the past 42 years, working for Kindermusik, a youth music program, teaching private lessons, and accompanying. Before she decided to make music her career, she was an actuary at an insurance company, sitting behind a desk, crunching numbers all day.

Although a career in music has some downfalls compared to Bosworth’s previous job, it’s all worth it to her.

“I made a switch about eight years ago to pursue music, which is my first love,” Bosworth said. “I make a way lot less than I used to make, but I’m a lot happier.”

Involved in all four choirs at the school, senior Maddie Gerber has grown to love Bosworth and all that she does for the choirs. Whether it’s making students treats, being a second adult in the room, or just doing her job, Bosworth makes the choir classes a better place.

“It would be very challenging to do the pieces that we do [without Bosworth] because we do a lot of more challenging music. Without her it would be impossible to do anything,” Gerber said.

Stoppel refers to her relationship with Bosworth as a team, but from Gerber’s point of view, Bosworth and Stoppel have a friendship in addition to their working relationship.

“If I were ever a teacher, I would want a friend like that. It’s fun to watch them … they’re honestly really close friends,” Gerber said.

This type of relationship is essential for the teamwork that they need to do their jobs successfully.

“It’s great having another adult in the room; another set of eyes in the room,” Stoppel said. “Our personalities fit and that’s important.”