Christina Kennedy

Touring Group Manager

Christina Read Kennedy has more than two decades of experience supporting young people’s growth through language and music.  She grew up immersed in classical music (her mother is a well-respected piano teacher who also nurtured her five children in various musical endeavors beginning with Suzuki music education), studying violin and performing in orchestral and chamber ensembles.  Christina earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Allegheny College, beginning her professional career teaching high school English and then transitioning to supporting non-traditional students' language skills through Adult Education programming.  Over time, Christina’s focus shifted from teaching public school to homeschooling her two children, who began their own musical journeys at Pineland Suzuki School.  Christina served on the Pineland board, assisting with publicity, fundraising, travel arrangements, and website & social media for both the school at large and for the Pineland Fiddlers, the school’s traditional music ensemble.  Managing her son Owen Kennedy’s trad fiddle career further expanded her networking and promoting skills while developing deep ties within the traditional music world of New England, Maritime Canada, and beyond.  Christina is delighted to be part of Vermont Folklife, sharing her experience and skills as an educator and manager to support the Touring Group, where young people can participate in community building and music learning with the joy and connection that is fundamental to the lived experience of traditional music.  In addition to attending festivals and concerts, Christina enjoys gardening and harvesting local food, playing with her pack of golden retrievers, reading, and spending time with her family.