Who we are

Atholton has a robust and thriving music program that prides itself on inclusivity and finding a space for every student to participate in music at school. Our program includes curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular classes and ensembles to meet the musical needs of all music learners. We hope you will get involved!

Madeline Swartz

Director of Bands
​Piano I-IV

Ashley Kitchelt

Director of Choirs

Tim Reinhardt

Director of Orchestras
​Music Technology I & II
Madeline Swartz is excited to be entering her second year as Director of Bands at Atholton High School. Previously, she one year as the director of instrumental music at Eastern Middle School.  
As a conductor, Ms. Swartz regularly participates in summer conducting institutes and is a 2023 recipient of the College Band Directors National Association’s Mike Moss Conducting Grant. She has guest conducted with the University of Maryland’s University Band, the Baltimore School for the Arts Wind Ensemble, and the Peabody Preparatory Youth Wind Ensemble and Wind Band.  She has taught with programs such as the Peabody Preparatory and the Orchkids program, an el sistema initiative by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to provide students access to free music programs in school and over the summers.
Ms. Swartz received her Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. She has studied flute with Sarah Frisof, Aaron Goldman, and Delandria Mills, and conducting with Andrea Brown, Elijah Wirth, and Anoa Green. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA).
Ashley Kitchelt has been a teacher in Howard County for the past 5 years.  She received her BM in Vocal Performance and BME in Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.  When not teaching, she sings a variety of groups in the area, including Washington Master Chorale, 18th Street Singers, and the University of Maryland Concert Choir.  She currently lives in Baltimore with her two cats, Acorn and Molly.
Tim Reinhardt has been a music educator for 25 years. After teaching at Hammond Middle School for 17 of those years, he is excited to continue to serve much of the same community at Atholton High School. His orchestras have consistently received superior ratings and have a reputation for their musicality and student leadership. He is a National Board Certified teacher and was a Howard County Music Teacher of the Year finalist in 2012. He also served on the Music Leadership Team for HCPSS 2020-2023.

Mr. Reinhardt conducted the Howard County High School GT Orchestra (now HCYO) for 10 years, and has also conducted the High School Repertory Orchestra, Elementary School GT Sinfonia, and Harford String Orchestra. He currently conducts the Middle School GT Sinfonia. During his tenure, groups have performed at Midwest Clinic, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, and the Kennedy Center.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Mr. Reinhardt studied violin with Piotr Milewski and conducting with Terrence Milligan. He earned his Master’s Degree in Advanced Teaching Practices from National University. Mr. Reinhardt is a frequent adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor, and freelance violinist in the mid-Atlantic region. He resides in Sykesville, MD with his wonderful wife, Elizabeth, and his good pups, Leo and Stella.