Alphabetized by Last Name

 

 

CHRISTY (KUCERA) BANKS (Doctor of Musical Arts, 2005; Bachelor of Music, 1997)

Christy begins her new position as Assistant Professor of Music (Clarinet and Saxophone) at Millersville University in Pennsylvania in August 2005.

TERESA BENGTSON (Bachelor of Music Education, 2001)

MICHELLE BENNETT (Bachelor of Music Education, 2005)

Michelle is an elementary general music teacher for the following Sioux City Community Schools: Roosevelt Elementary (K-5), McKinley Elementary (K-3), and Emerson Elementary (K-1). She also a studio of private clarinet students.

ANDREA (LEISING) BITUNJAC (Bachelor of Music Education, 1999)

ERICA CORWIN (Bachelor of Music, 1998)

Erica is currently working for the University of Nebraska Press where she spends a great deal of time updating databases, researching book order inquiries and answering general questions that arrive at the press by phone, mail and e-mail. She still plays the clarinet and her recent endeavors include participating in the Lincoln Municipal Band, the Nebraska Wind Symphony and performing clarinet and piano at weddings.

Her current hobbies include softball, running, gardening, her cats and restoring/renovating old houses. In December of 1999, she and Corrie bought a dilapidated house built in 1910. The first floor was half-gutted and they have spent the last six months rebuilding the entire first floor from the inside out. Although it was in poor condition when they purchased it, they found its charm in its large porch, second floor balcony, original woodwork, intricate shingling and a large backyard. They have converted the house, which was once separated into three apratments back in the 1950's, into a single family home by reconnecting the basement and second floor to the first floor.

Erica would enjoy hearing from you, so please feel free to contact her by e-mail.

NINA ENGLIN (Bachelor of Arts, 2004)

Nina Englin received her Bachelor of Arts major in the spring of 2004 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She marched in the UNL Cornhusker Marching Band and was the clarinet section leader. She also played in the UNL Wind Ensemble. Englin graduated in the spring of 1999 from Rapid City Central High School in South Dakota. During her freshman year, she was first chair in the Freshman Band and was selected as first chair clarinetist in the Ninth Grade Honor Band. She continued her participation in the Symphonic Band throughout the remainder of her high school years and was the recipient of the Most Outstanding Band award in her freshman and junior years and the prestigious John Philip Sousa Band award during her senior year. A member of the pit orchestra for school musicals, Englin served as clarinetist in "Chess" and "Fiddler on the Roof". In addition to her involvement with the Symphonic Band, she marched in the Rapid City Central Marching Band and played in the pep band throughout all four years of high school. Englin was also a member of the South Dakota All-State Band for four years.

In addition to playing the clarinet, Englin plays the violin and piano. She was a member of the South Dakota All-State Orchestra for four years and played violin in the UNL Symphony Orchestra during her freshman year. For three years she was also a member of the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.

Englin enjoys playing and listening to all kinds of music. She hopes to one day play in a symphony orchestra.

LENORA FRENCH (Bachelor of Music, 2003)

Lenora graduated with the Master of Music degree from the Florida State University in May 2005. She is a clarinetist with the U.S. Air Force Band of the West at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

JENI GOSSARD (Bachelor of Music, 2001)

Jeni Gossard recently received her Masters of Music degree in Clarinet Performance in May of 2003 from The University of Texas-Austin under Professor Richard MacDowell and Bil Jackson. During her time at UT Ms. Gossard performed as principal and Eb clarinetist in the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Winds and Wind Ensemble. She actively sought out performance opportunities such as: recital soloist, as a member of chamber ensembles and in master classes with visiting guest artists. Ms. Gossard has been a master class clinician and private lessons instructor at UT’s Longhorn Middle and High School Band Camps for several summers. During the year Ms. Gossard has built up a private clarinet studio of over thirty-five students throughout the Austin area. She is actively involved with the Austin Chamber Music Center workshops coaching a variety of chamber ensembles.

Ms. Gossard received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln under Dr. Diane Cawein Barger where she was highly active in performance and teaching opportunities. At UNL she was principal clarinetist in the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, was the instructor for the freshman technique class and was actively involved in solo and chamber competitions, having placed on many occasions.

In the fall of 2003 she will begin her Doctors of Music degree in Clarinet Performance at UT with Richard MacDowell. Ms. Gossard is highly anticipating the start of The Clarinet Project this year at UT where she will be will be instructing middle and high school students in weekly private lessons, master classes and music appreciation classes. In July of 2003 Ms. Gossard was appointed clarinet instructor at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, TX. This position includes private instruction to the top clarinet students, as well as, many solo and chamber performance opportunities. With her “free time” she will be also teaching many private lesson students within the Austin area.

MICHELLE HALL (Master of Music, 1999)

Michelle Hall is originally from Lake Milton, Ohio where she was the student of Robert Fitzer, (Youngstown Symphony) and Dr. Donald McGinnis (Director Emeritus – The Ohio State University Concert Bands). She has studied with Dr. David Lewis (Jazz Clarinetist – Ohio University), Dr. Dennis Nygren (Kent State University, Cleveland Chamber Winds) and Dr. Diane Cawein Barger (University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Lincoln Symphony Orchestra).

Mrs. Hall is currently the Adjunct Professor of Woodwinds at Dana College where she teaches all applied woodwind teaching, woodwind methods classes, directing the Dana Chamber Winds, and coaching all woodwind ensembles at the college. She is frequently a faculty soloist with the Dana Wind Ensemble performing, most recently, the works of Mozart, Weber, and Lutaslowski. With Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Michael Anderson she performed the Gordon Jacob Double Concerto for Clarinet and Trumpet during the 2003 Spring Concert with the Dana Wind Ensemble.

Mrs. Hall is also Assistant Band Director at Millard West High School. Her duties include team teaching the Symphonic Band, Freshman Band, Marching Band, team teaching Russell Middle School Bands, and applied lessons at Willowdale Elementary School. She is also the Tri-M Music Honor Society advisor.

Michelle’s husband, Dr. William R. Hall, is an Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands at Dana College. Her son, Staff Sargent Christopher Hall is a professional musician, Director of Operations and Mellophone Section Leader for the United States Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps in Washington, DC. Her son, Michael is currently a Senior Geology Major at Ohio University and a professional jazz musician. Her daughter Jacque graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a degree in Social Studies Education. She has three grandchildren, Nolan, Allison and Garrett Hall

JENNY (STUART) HEADLEE (Bachelor of Music Education, 2003)

After graduation from UNL, Jenny divided the following school year between substitute teaching in Lincoln and following her husband, Kellen, around the country during his training for the U.S. Navy. In April of 2004, Kellen and Jenny moved to Beaufort, SC, where ENS Headlee is serving at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Just completing her first year teaching K-5 music at a local elementary school, Jenny is looking forward to one more year of learning and teaching in South Carolina and continuing to share her love of music and children wherever the Navy takes them!

ERIN HILL PHELAN (Bachelor of Arts in Music, 1999)

After receiving a B.A. in music from UNL, Erin moved to Austin, Texas where she received an M.M. in clarinet performance from The University of Texas at Austin. She then transitioned into the non-profit sector where she served as the Assistant Director for Operations at the Austin Chamber Music Center and Development Director for the Girls Empowerment Network. Currently, Erin works for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation where she plans events and manages their fundraising and outreach efforts. In her free time, Erin enjoys cooking and trying to keep up with her very outdoorsy husband.

JAMES KOPERSKI (Bachelor of Music Education, 2003)

After graduating from UNL in 2003 James was hired to teach at an inner city magnet
school out in Las Vegas for two years. During that time he taught band and guitar in addition to developing a nationally award winning Winter Guard. During the fall of 2005 he begins his new position as the second director at Sierra Vista High School, as well as team-teach beginning band at one of its feeder middle schools.

In addition to his professional career, James sings in the Las Vegas Philharmonic Chorus performing such works as Mozart's Requiem and Orff's Carmina Burana. He is the Nevada All State Honor Band Chairperson and performs in a woodwind trio (flute, oboe, and clarinet) with some other teachers in the district.

JESSICA LINDSEY (Master of Music, 2004; Bachelor of Arts, 2002)

Jessica Lindsey is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota where she began private clarinet studies with Bonnie Synhorst. Her collegiate studies in music began at the University of Mary, as a student of Mr. Loran Eckroth. Lindsey transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall of 1999, where she studied with Dr. Diane Barger .

Throughout her undergraduate degree, Lindsey participated in the University Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Nebraska Music Teachers Association (NMTA) Woodwind Solo Competition, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Artist Competition and the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. She has held principal positions in both the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and has also participated in opera orchestras. Along with University of Nebraska clarinet Alumni Jeni Gossard, Lindsey was a founding member of the Blackwood Trio (2000-2001). Lindsey completed her degree in May of 2002, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Nebraska and started her graduate studies at UNL with Dr. Barger in the fall of 2002.

Upon graduation, Lindsey spent a summer in Michigan, working at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Gaining valuable experiences with musicians, counselors and campers alike, she also enjoyed the beauty of Lake Michigan and its Landscape. Lindsey has gained valuable experiences as a clarinet teacher throughout her undergraduate degree and continuing into her graduate degree. A growing studio in the Lincoln Area, teaching Clarinet Technique class for Freshmen and Sophomores at the University of Nebraska, and the opportunity to provide input for technical studies for Clarinet Technique Class have given her greater insight into playing and teaching the clarinet.

As a graduate student, Lindsey has held principal positions in both the UNL Wind Ensemble, UNL Symphony Orchestra, and UNL Opera Orchestra as well as playing E-flat Clarinet in the UNL Wind Ensemble. Other playing experiences in the Lincoln area include clarinet player for the musical "Ragtime" as produced by Lincoln Community Playhouse, clarinet player with the Lincoln Municipal Band, and substitute clarinet with the Lincoln Symphony. In July of 2003, Lindsey played with the Heartland of America Air Force Band (which is located at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE) as they traveled to Minneapolis, MN for an outdoor summer concert tour.

ERIN (McCARTHY) MOHRING (Bachelor of Music Education, 2003)

Erin is in her third year teaching elementary music with Milford Public Schools in Milford and Pleasant Dale, Nebraska. She currently teaches K-6 vocal music, 5th and 6th grade choir (Eagle Singers), coaches junior high volleyball and is assistant director for the high school musical every spring. She also teaches private piano lessons and is active as a youth group sponsor.

Erin and her husband, Stephen, live in Lincoln and are anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child in April!

JESSICA STILES (Bachelor of Music Education, 2005)

Jessica is taking a break from teaching and playing music during August 2005 to complete her 6-month training to become a law enforcement officer for the Nebraska State Patrol.

LACEY STOKES (Master of Music, 2001)

Lacey is currently playing in the Air Force Band of the West in San Antonio, Texas.

RACHEL (BUEGE) TOLKINEN (Master of Music, 2005)

JAKE WALLACE (Bachelor of Arts, 2004)

Jake Wallace is a graduate student and Teaching Assistant at Baylor University pursuing the Master of Music degree in wind band conducting having graduated from the University of Nebraska with honors in clarinet performance and mathematics. He is currently a student of director of bands Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole. He has also participated in masterclasses and symposia with such esteemed conductors as H. Robert Reynolds, Michael Haithcock, Mallory Thompson, Donald Schleicher, Allan McMurray, Craig Kirchoff, Richard Floyd, John Whitwell and Gerald Luckhardt. His other principal conducting teachers have been Dr. Carolyn Barber and Dr. Tyler G. White. His duties at Baylor include assisting with undergraduate conducting and literature courses as well as conducting concert ensembles in the band program and directing the Golden Wave Band and Courtside Players.

Mr. Wallace continues to be an active performer as a member of the clarinet studio of Dr. Richard Shanley, having performed with both the Baylor University Wind Ensemble and Baylor Symphony Orchestra. He presented three full-length solo recitals at the University of Nebraska where he was a student of Dr. Diane Barger, and performed frequently in student convocations, studio recitals and masterclasses. He was active in the chamber music community in Lincoln, performing on numerous chamber recitals including three full recitals with the award-winning Narom Woodwind Quintet, of which he was a founding member. Also during his tenure at Nebraska he served as principal clarinet in the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra and Symphonic Band.

Mr. Wallace maintains professional affiliations with the College Band Directors National Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and Mu Phi Epsilon professional music fraternity.

NICOLE WATZKE ( Bachelor of Arts, 2003)

REBECCA WILHELM (Bachelor of Music Education, 1997)

Becky started teaching at Norris as the middle school band director and assistant high school director in 1997. She also teaches the 7th grade choir and 6th grade general music classes. She is currently working on her Master of Music Education degree at UNL as a summer session student.

ALAINA (WOOD) WILSON (Master of Music Education, 1999)

Alaina is currently teaching K-6 vocal music at three schools with Omaha Public Schools. Her hobbies are limited to things that start with the letter "C"...crocheting, camping, canoeing and the clarinet! She remains happily married to her once UNL clarinet studio buddy, Dan Wilson.

DAN WILSON (Bachelor of Music, 1998)

Dan still plays his clarinet occasionally at his wife Alaina's elementary music programs. He is an active recorder player and plays with the Lincoln Early Music Consort as well as doing demonstrations for elementary schools. He is now working at Back to the Bible as Assistant to the Mailroom Facilitator. In his spare time he enjoys camping, fishing and canoeing.