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ALUMNI NEWS
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Chantal Abendroth Schneck ('12) recently accepted the position of 7th grade band director and 6th grade band teacher at St. Anthony Middle School.
Rosalee Allard ('13) is currently a long-term music sub at New Life Academy until November, after which she will work as the 6-12 grade general music teacher at Hope Academy. She is also vocal assistant for the UNW Academy of Music's Vivace Voices Youth Choir, directed by Doreen Hutchings, and will be the music director for Cross Community Players' production of Little Women this winter (with director and UNW alumna Elizabeth Yoder).
Amber Franks ('14) accepted a position with Bertha-Hewitt Public Schools, teaching 1st and 3rd grade general music and 6th-12th grade choirs. In her words to the Music Department: "I am very excited to start my first job and I have so many people to thank for it. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement in helping me to reach this point. The time and energy that you invest into the students at Northwestern doesn't go unnoticed and is appreciated by all."
John Guidry ('09), middle school choral director at St. Croix Preparatory Academy (public charter school in Stillwater, Minnesota), was recently honored by the selection of his 7th & 8th grade Boys' Choir to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference in November. This non-auditioned curricular choir that began in 2011-2012 now consists of about forty young men who sing a wide variety of choral literature with a curricular focus on vocal technique, sight-reading, and beautiful singing through the voice change. John is in his fifth year of teaching since earning his Bachelor of Music Education degree at UNW. In 2013, his 7th and 8th Grade Girls' Choir had the privilege of performing at the ACDA-MN Fall Convention.
Bethany Meyer ('13) was hired for a teaching position at D.R.E.A.M. Technical Academy in Willmar for Grades 7-12 Vocal Music, and she is also an advisor.
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STUDENT NEWS
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Naomi Black, sophomore business major/music minor (trombone), attended the 2013 and 2014 Symphony summer sessions of the Birch Creek Music Performance Center, a summer music school in Door County, WI, for advanced young musicians. Naomi Black was one of two soloists to perform with the orchestra for the "Painting with Sound" concerts on July 3rd and 5th. Wisconsin Public Television will be broadcasting a documentary segment on Birch Creek's Symphony program and the full recording of the "Painting with Sound" July 3rd concert in December of 2014. 
Rachel Bauske, senior performance major (flute), attended the Credo Music Festival with Michele and Roger Frisch in mid-July, where they played Haydn's Creation in Severence Hall. In addition, she attended a chamber music camp the first week of August called the Borderline Philharmonic held at Hoot Owl Resort in northern Minnesota, a camp for professionals in the Midwest, which included orchestra members in the Twin Cities as well as the Duluth symphony. Over the summer, Jonathan Horn, junior composition major, served as musical director for a production of "The Circus of Terror," an original murder mystery musical, produced by Z-Theatre in Zumbrota, MN. Jonathan composed the music for the show and penned some of the lyrics. Anthony Potts (baritone), senior performance major, and Gracie Lugo (mezzo-soprano), sophomore communication major, along with their voice instructor Carol Eikum, enjoyed traveling together to Boston in July to compete in the first National NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Student Auditions. To make it to the National NATS Live Semi-Final Round, the students sang in several live and on-line rounds at the state, regional and national levels, and were named as one of 14 National Semi-Finalists in their age and gender categories. A highlight of the experience for all three was attending the stunning NATS Conference recital presented by the famous baritone Thomas Hampson.
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ACADEMY OF MUSIC
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The University of Northwestern hosted its annual summer Piano Institute July 28 - August 2 in the Totino Fine Arts Center. Thirty eager pianists ranging in ages 11-18 attended the Institute. Coordinated by Dr. Richard Lange, the camp featured alumnus Dr. Luke Norell ('07) and his wife Dr. Mary Rose Norell as guest artists/teachers. Next years' Institute will be held July 27 - August 1, 2015.
SHOW CHOIR CAMP:
With the administrative assistance of Julie Johnson of the UNW Academy of Music, Doreen Hutchings directed her fourth Show Choir Camp during July this summer. Twenty-five talented singers and dancers between the ages of 10 and 18 participated. Ms. Hutchings was assisted by Evan Jones, choreographer, 2008 UNW graduate with a degree in Vocal Music Education. The rehearsal and performance pianist for the week was Emily Baltzer, 2014 graduate with a degree in Piano Performance. In addition to daily devotionals, singing, dancing and various other activities, the students worked with Art department faculty member, Rick Love, individually designing and printing t-shirts. The week was a tremendous success and culminated in a Friday afternoon final performance.
Academy of Music offers music lessons for all ages
and abilities at affordable
rates.
Alumni! There is 10%
discount for all UNW
Alumni on lessons,
classes and
ensembles.
Contact the Academy office by phone or email
to receive the discount code.
651-631-5108
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| PIANO TOUR | |
Piano Tour Oct. 18-21, 2014
Eau Claire & Milwaukee Wisconsin
This fall ten piano students will travel with piano faculty members Dr. Richard Lange and Pam Sohriakoff to churches, a conservatory, and schools in Wisconsin. These Northwestern piano students include Betsy Boggs, Simone Currie, Karissa Dadisman, Katie Daugherty, Claire Dill, Lilly Guth, Rudy Heuer, Mikaela Krampotich, Rachel Revennaugh, and Courtney Ryberg.
Evening Concerts include:
Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Bethesda Lutheran
Brethren Church
123 West Hamilton Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Sunday, Oct. 19, 6:30 pm
Eastbrook Church
5385 N. Green Bay Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
Monday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
Wisconsin Conservatory
of Music
1584 N. Prospect Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
School concerts include:
Monday, Oct. 20, 8:20 a.m.
Eastbrook Academy
5375 N. Green Bay Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
Monday, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m.
Ronald Reagan IB
High School
4965 South 20th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Homecoming Recital
Thurs., Oct. 23, 12:50 p.m.
University of Northwestern - St. Paul
Nazareth Chapel 3003 Snelling Ave St. Paul, MN 55311 All concerts and free & open to the public. unwsp.edu651-631-5218 888-878-5514
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We apologize for errors or omissions. Please keep us informed about your music performances, positions and education.
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 The Gift of Legacy
A chill in the air signals the arrival of fall and Homecoming soon to follow. Please join us October 10-11 to celebrate new fields and facilities, old friends and memories, and the gift of legacy that comes from those who've gone before us. Around the Music Department, our focus turns to the Showcase concert as student ensembles prepare music that speaks of legacy. We will also honor Dr. David Osterlund, 2014 Music Honoree. Don't forget to purchase your tickets for the concert and dessert reception at UNWTickets.com.
...I am thankful that I came from Christian parents and that I am saved and will be in the greatest Thanksgiving of all time, when Christ claims his own. Sure wish I could be home tomorrow but before I eat I'll say a silent prayer hoping I will be home soon again....
My father handed down a legacy of faith to his three children, who each accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. His confidence echoes what we find in Psalms 71:5 (NIV), "For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth."
As a Northwestern music family of current students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, let's use this year's Homecoming theme to reflect on how we have benefitted from those who went before us and how God could use us to leave a legacy for those who follow. Until Christ claims his own, as my father put it, the prayers and financial support of the UNW music family enable us to equip the next generation of music students to learn, lead, invest, and impact the world to the glory of God.
Current students and alumni - Will you write home to share with your family what your saving faith means to you? Or, how about dropping a thank you note to a teacher or mentor who inspired or invested in you?
Others - Would you send a message of encouragement to a current music student or a financial gift toward a music scholarship? Will you pray that God would use UNW's Department of Music to bring glory to Himself?
What legacy will each of us leave?
Keep in touch,
Kirk D. Moss, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Music
E-mail: kdmoss@unwsp.edu
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September
30 7:30 p.m. Faculty Artist Series: Beethoven's Legacy (NC) Sonja Grimes, piano and Sarah Grimes, violin October
9 1:30 p.m. Piano Master Class: Soojung Hong (NC) 10 7:30 p.m. Showcase (MH) & Dessert Reception (GC) *13 11:00 a.m. Christmas at Northwestern tickets go on sale* 18-21 Piano Tour to Eau Claire & Milwaukee, WI23 12:50 p.m. Piano Tour Homecoming Recital (NC) 31 7:00 p.m. Musical Theatre Production: Oliver! (MH)* November
1, 5-8 7:00 p.m. Musical Theatre Production: Oliver! (MH)* 11 7:30 p.m. Faculty Artist Series: Marimba Thanksgiving (NC) Joel Alexander and UNW percussion students 17 7:30 p.m. Women's Chorale, Varsity Men's Chorus & Jazz Ensemble Concert (MH) 20 1:00 p.m. Orchestra Children's Matinee: A Garden of Imagination (MH) (registration required)** Matinee is for homeschool families and schools. 20 7:00 p.m. Orchestra Children's Concert: A Garden of Imagination (MH) (registration required)** Concert is for families, adults, and children; with pre-concert children's activities 6-6:45 p.m. 21 7:30 p.m. Symphonic Band Concert (MH) 24 7:30 p.m. Chamber Ensembles Recital (NC) December
5-6 7:30 p.m. Christmas at Northwestern:Out of Darkness, Into Light (MH)* 7 4:00 p.m. Christmas at Northwestern:Out of Darkness, Into Light (MH)* 7 6:30 p.m. Christmas Dinner (BR)* 13 1:00 p.m. Concerto-Aria Competition (NC) & Reception (BR)
MH= Maranatha Hall, GC= Graham Commons
NC= Nazareth Chapel, BR= Blue Room
All events subject to change.
All events are free (except as noted*) and open to the public.
*Tickets available in Ticket Office, at 651-631-5151 or unwtickets.com. unwsp.edu/music (events)You are invited:
SHOWCASE CONCERT 2014: Living and Leaving a Legacy!
Friday, October 10, 7:30 p.m.
Northwestern Choir, Orchestra and Symphonic Band perform in Maranatha Hall.
$12 tickets include concert and dessert reception, with the Jazz Ensemble performing. ($10 for UNW Alumni, Faculty & Staff - call 651-631-5151 to get discount.)  John Herlihy leads God Bless America at the 2012 Showcase concert.
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 MUSIC HALL OF RECOGNITION 2014 HONOREE
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 David Osterlund, Ed.D. Chair, Department of Music 1975-89Dr. Osterlund's distinguished career in music education includes being Chair of the Northwestern Music Department 1975-89, where he directed the band and women's choir, developed the Music Education program (leading to Minnesota State licensure) and led the department to National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation. Now at Columbia International University (CIU), Osterlund developed the curriculum and served as director for the CIU Prison Initiative, educating incarcerated men and women each year to receive Associate of Arts degrees as well as training inmates to live in accordance with biblical principles and equip them for the unique ministry opportunities available to them because of their incarceration. More about UNW Alumni Honorees.
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David & Laura Kozamchak promote Music Education in Jamaica
David Kozamchak, UNW Coordinator of Strings/Director of Orchestra, and his wife, UNW Alumna Laura Kozamchak ('03, '13), traveled to Jamaica July 19-27 with the Organization for Strategic Development in Jamaica (OSDJ) to conduct a fact-finding mission across Jamaica as part of the OSDJ's Music and Education Program Pilot Study. The founder of OSDJ is Wayland Richards, husband of Wendy Richards, UNW Education faculty member, also on the six-person fact-finding team. Their goal was to improve the climate of education in Jamaica, connecting resources to needs. David and Wendy were able to hold key meetings with members of the Jamaican Ministry of Education, the U.S. Embassy, and various educational institutions to prepare for the work they will be doing on their upcoming sabbaticals in the Spring of 2016.
Each of the objectives of the mission were fulfilled, including visiting with administrators and music teachers at three high schools and holding meetings with various other educational institutions. One exciting result of the trip was identifying the need for an instrumental rehearsal room at one of the high schools lacking resources and bringing it to the attention of the Ministry of Education. As a result, a member of parliament offered to fund the building of an instrumental room for the school. Laura led music instruction and professional development training for teachers and administrators at Waterford Primary School in Portmore. Other members of the team, including David and Wendy, orchestrated and led professional development workshops for elementary and secondary school principals, teachers, and student teachers featuring sessions on literacy and math. The OSDJ has acquired over 100 band and orchestra instruments and has prepared them for shipping to the three Jamaican high schools selected to be a part of the Music and Education Program Pilot Study.
 Breakaway: A Singing Football Bond Not Easily Broken
Since the fall semester of 2003, Director of Choral Activities Tim Sawyer has been the "vocal coach" of the Northwestern Eagles Football Team. In that role, he teaches the members of the team to sing (and breathe correctly), and attends their Breakaway (retreat) each fall at Camp Ojibway near Paynesville, Minnesota just prior to the start of the school year. Most UNW alumni know of the three-member rap group "Da Kollumm" which is comprised of Mr. Sawyer, Coach Talley and Paul Bradley. They recently were pictured after the opening football game in the new Reynolds Stadium after the Eagles beat St. Olaf 17-16, and the Northwestern Choir opened the game by singing the National Anthem.  
The Northwestern Choir singing the National Anthem at the Eagles' first game in the new stadium, using their own "personal amplification devices" (mini "megaphones", made from purple party cups)! -photo by Russ Nelson
A Reflection on Eastern Europe Choir Tour
In May, the Northwestern Choir of 35 young women and 43 young men, led by conductor Tim Sawyer and tour director Julie Johnson, traveled to Prague and Krabčice, Czech Republic, and Budapest and Petὄfibánya, Hungary. As always, the tour left lasting impressions on performers and audiences alike. Below is a reflection from one of the choir students, as well as a link to a tour concert piece.
The choir tour to the Czech Republic and Hungary made a profound spiritual impact on my life--the challenges and growth that took place affect me in remarkable ways even today. As a choir family, we built trust, respect, and love for one another, enduring trials leading up to the tour and throughout our time in Europe. The Lord used our music to share his love with others and the impact of His gift of redemption. Singing together touched not only those who witnessed it, but each person in the choir in unique ways. We were privileged to sing in a multitude of locations, including beautiful churches and cathedrals (such as St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest), as well as an old Nazi movie theater and the concentration camp, Terezin. I learned a significant amount about Eastern European culture and history from the time we spent touring Prague and Budapest and from the variety of people we encountered. I feel so blessed to be able to use the gift of music with my fellow believers to communicate to others about God. It is good to celebrate and share our faith in God and the gift of His salvation. Soli Deo Gloria!  Northwestern Choir at St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest.
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WELCOME TO NEW FACULTY
 Will Lopes, adjunct instructor of Worship Teams, is a graduate of University of Northern Iowa with a Master's degree in Conducting, Brazil's Northern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelor's degree in Sacred Music and a Diploma in Piano and Music Theory from the UEFS Music Conservatory, also located in Brazil. Lopes serves as Worship Arts Director at Grace Church Roseville. He has performed as section leader for the Minnesota Chorale and sung in Twin Cities venues ranging from Orchestra Hall to the Dakota Jazz Club. Several of his original compositions and arrangements are in the process of being published, including a series of a cappella settings of Brazilian folk songs for mixed chorus, TTBB and SSAA, and his Brazilian-influenced Liturgical Mass, Gloria.
 Sherri Nicholson, adjunct instructor of Class Piano, holds a Master's degree in piano and piano pedagogy from Bob Jones University where she studied with Dr. Kenon D. Renfrow and a Bachelor's degree in music and Bible from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. She serves on the board of St. Paul Piano Teachers Association as Vice President. As a Masters Certified Teacher of Piano in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, Nicholson teaches group and private piano lessons in her home studio. She also serves as church pianist, choir accompanist, and children's music coordinator at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where her husband ministers as assistant pastor.  Pam Sohriakoff, part-time staff accompanist, piano instructor and Piano Lab instructor, holds a Master of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Minnesota - Duluth and is a versatile performer and teacher. She has taught piano and voice students through the University of Northwestern Academy of Music since 2007 and also served as a vocal coach and piano accompanist at Bethel University. Sohriakoff was highlighted as piano soloist in the Two Rivers Chorale 2013 program of Aaron Copland music, and in July 2012 toured, played, and sang throughout Ukraine with the professional Evangelion Chorale as featured pianist. A church worship leader for over twenty years, she specializes in improvisation of hymns, chord charts, and leading vocally from the piano. FACULTY NEWSArtist-in-Residence, Adjunct Professors of Music Roger and Michele Frisch gave master classes, workshops, performances, and radio interviews July 13-27 for Credo Oberlin, Ohio, and Credo Australia, which included The Scots College, Sydney Conservatory, and the World Harp Congress. Credo is dedicated to combining high-level musical training with Christian mentorship and the opportunity for outreach and service to others. Catherine McCord Larsen taught private voice, coached small vocal ensembles and performed in faculty recitals and "Bach Cantata Sunday" at Luther College, Decorah, IA, in late June through late July as part of Lutheran Summer Music, a month-long music, live-away music camp for High School age students. She also served as a member of the MRAC (Metropolital Regional Arts Council) arts education grant voting panel in late May. Kirk Moss, new Music Department Chair, served as the invited presenter for the Texas Chapter of the American String Teachers Association at the Texas Orchestra Directors Association Convention in San Antonio on July 29. On August 9 he conducted the 18th Annual Illinois New Music Reading Session for Young Orchestras sponsored by Quinlan & Fabish Music Company in Chicago. Dr. Phil Norris is on sabbatical this Fall, traveling in S.E. Asia, teaching and performing in schools and universities throughout the region.
Update from Phil: Ben Linde has been "instrumental" (pun intended!) in getting my tour off to a good start, including a Chinese haircut! I have been to Xian, home of the famous terra cotta warriors exhibit, and Chengdu, panda capital of the world, seeing the great and red pandas. Expanding my eating pallet exponentially with many first-time local flavors, I'm a very different eater now than three weeks ago! I just completed my first stop on the tour, a very productive one assisting the music staff at Chengdu International School. Ahead this week is a week at three universities in Changsha, Hunan Province. I'm told it will entail lecture recitals at each school. Two Family members will assist me in translation and musical aspects.
Should you wish to receive updates from Phil, please e-mail him directly at: pennwc@gmail.com. Your prayers are appreciated. Associate Professor of Music Timothy Sawyer performed under the baton of Dale Warland with the Minnesota Beethoven Festival Chorale July 12-13 as part of the Festival, held in the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels on the St. Teresa Campus of St. Mary's University in Winona. The concert included a world premiere performance and recording of the final composition by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento.
In July, Sawyer co-presented with Minnesota composer Linda Tutas Haugen at the American Conference of Cantors convention in Minneapolis. Their presentation detailed a fruitful American Composers Forum Faith Partners composer residency with Colonial Church and Mt. Zion Temple in St. Paul and several premiered compositions. In August, he attended the UNW Eagle Football Breakaway and began his twelfth year as the team's vocal coach.
Jan Possehl Scholl is the new principal clarinetist of Encore Wind Ensemble and will be featured soloist, performing the Weber Concertino, Opus 26, for their season opening concerts on Oct. 6 and Oct. 27.
October 6, 4:00 PM King of Kings Lutheran Church, Woodbury, MN
October 27, 3:00 PM Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, Ham Lake, MN
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If you have noteworthy news to share with us about students or alumni, please send your comments to labunce@unwsp.edu.
God Bless you,
Lori Bunce
Project & Events Coordinator
University of Northwestern - St. Paul
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