Samara Valla grew up in Western New York. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education at Michigan State University followed by a Master's in Music Education from Michigan State University. Mrs.Valla began her teaching career in Haslett the fall of 2000. Her students regularly receive the highest ratings at both District and State Choir Festivals.As the director of the HS Select Women's Ensemble this ensemble has made appearances at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. She also directs the middle school musicals and the high school musicals. As a soloist, Mrs. Valla has performed both internationally and locally. She has toured Europe and the Midwest with various choirs and has participated in community theater extensively in New York State. Previously, Mrs. Valla was a Community Music School Instructor of early childhood music classes and the coach for the Ladies First A Cappella Ensemble at Michigan State University. She currently resides in East Lansing, Michigan and is married to Justin, orchestra director at Okemos High School. She has three daughters, Myah, Julia and Lara.