Baltimore-based composer and conductor Justine Koontz is interested in the intersection of music and identity.  Her work encompasses composing, conducting, entrepreneurship, teaching, and presenting. 
As a conductor, Justine's diverse interests in repertoire includes music by women, Baltic composers, and contemporary compositions.  She has premiered new works in Baltimore, Indianapolis and Eugene, Oregon.  She has been Music Minister at Memorial Episcopal Church in Baltimore since 2018, and is the founding artistic director of the Program Choir of Baltimore.
As a composer, Justine writes primarily for choir and chamber ensembles in musical languages that are accessible yet diverse. Her compositions have been performed at national and international venues, including the Saito Conducting Workshop in Saskatchewan and the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music.  An avid entrepreneur, she self-publishes her compositions. 
Other musical activities have included international scholarship, presenting, and teaching.  Justine completed a year of study in Latvia on a Fulbright scholarship, where she researched the country's choral culture.  A thinker about many aspects of the musical world, she has led presentations and written blog articles on all manner of subjects.  She currently teaches a private studio of piano and guitar students of all ages.
Justine completed an M.M. in choral conducting and composition at Butler University and a B.A. in music theory and composition at McDaniel College. She is an active member of ASCAP and Chorus America. When she is not making music, she is usually engaged in fine craft, language study, or gardening.