About Valerie
Valerie Kosson is a 2021 Lebanon Valley College graduate. She is the first in the music department to graduate with a degree in music with a concentration in “music and wellness.” In 2022 she earned a master’s certificate in “Arts in Medicine” from the University of Florida.
Kosson was a member of the Lebanon Valley College Marching band, Concert Choir, Hand-Bell Choir ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. Val began studying piano, snare and bells, and marimba during Elementary School, received the “Outstanding Band Student of the Year” award in middle school, and went on to play with the York Junior Symphony Orchestra at Penn State/York. Valerie traveled and competed with her award-winning high school marching band, Susquehannock Warriors Marching Band for four years. During her last two summers of high school she competed in Drum Corps International, performing with the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps. The corps placed in the top 10 in the finals, which took place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
In 2019 Valerie was invited to give a talk at 2019 TEDx Youth Lancaster. Her topic, “Invisible Disabilities: Seeing Others with Compassion” has already resonated with many people, especially students who are working to navigate the educational system while experiencing their own challenges, be it dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, pain disorders, epilepsy, or chronic illness. Valerie is committed to helping others to rise above their invisible disabilities by sharing her story, and spreading awareness about resources available to students.
Kosson was inducted into the National Honors Society in her sophomore year and graduated Susquehannock High School Magna Cum Laude in 2017.
Kosson won first place in both the Keystone Indoor Drumline Association solo percussion competition and the Tri-M Music Honor Society Concerto competitions.
Valerie Kosson was a featured guest on the recording in 2009, “Sea to Shining Sea: A Tapestry of American Music” when she was just 12 years old. She has toured as guest percussionist in the American Tapestry ensemble. In 2020 she returned to the studio to record several duets for the album, “Re-Inventions.”
Kosson loves taking on challenging pieces and wants to continue growing as a musician, percussionist and student advocate. Val lives in south central Pennsylvania with her parents and three cats, Jackson, Leo and Sasha.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Valerie Kosson’s resumé