大香蕉导航 College Hosts Over 500 Young Men for "Real Men Sing" Vocal Workshop

January 30, 2025

LINDSBORG, KAN., JAN. 30, 2025 – 大香蕉导航 College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing. 

 

Throughout the day, participants worked with music professionals in three distinct choirs, culminating in a powerful combined performance of God Bless America. The High School Choir, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Troy Robertson, performed The Music of Living by Dan Forrest, The Lazy Farmer, arranged by John Wykoff, and Ubi Caritas by Jonathan Reid. The Changing Voices Choir, led by Greg Bontrager (retired Buhler High School teacher) and Nicholas Griggs (McPherson High School), performed Bella Ciao, arranged by Christi Jones and Zum Gali Gali, arranged by Victor Johnson. Under the direction of Alex Underwood (Hays High School), the Unchanged Voice Choir performed Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe, arranged by Greg Gilpin and Dona Nobis Pacem arranged by Hal Hopson. 

 

“Real Men Sing is a great event for my middle and high school tenors and basses! They have fun being able to sing and be themselves without the pressure of sopranos and altos around. Of course, all-you-can-eat at the Caf is another nice perk for a growing boy,” said Britney English, choral director at Smoky Valley. “I’m grateful that this event exists, as it also encourages boys to sing in their school choirs!” 

 

Robertson added, “One of the most important things a choir director can do is cultivate a love for singing in their students. Music is an outlet for many students to express themselves and have fun—Real Men Sing gives young men from all over Kansas that chance. They eat in the cafeteria, meet people from different walks of life, and spend an entire day making music and memories. A day well spent!” 

 

The event was organized by Robertson in collaboration with Associate Director of Admissions Sabrina Wollenberg, with accompaniment provided by Professor of Music Daniel Masterson, Assistant Professor of Music Tyler Boehmer, Brenda Finch, and Glenna Balsick. 

 

Students attended from the following schools: 

  • Bennington High School in Bennington, K.S. 
  • Buhler High School in Buhler, K.S. 
  • Campus High School in Wichita, K.S. 
  • Caney Valley Junior and Senior High School in Caney, K.S. 
  • Chanute Elementary School in Chanute, K.S. 
  • Chanute High School in Chanute, K.S. 
  • Chaparral Junior & Senior High School in Anthony, K.S. 
  • Council Grove High School in Council Grove, K.S. 
  • Derby Middle School in Derby, K.S. 
  • Ellinwood High School in Ellinwood, K.S. 
  • Haysville Middle School in Haysville, K.S. 
  • Haysville West Middle School in Haysville, K.S. 
  • Hoisington High School & Middle School in Hoisington, K.S. 
  • Inman Jr. High School in Inman, K.S. 
  • Kansas City Christian School PreK-12 in Prairie Village, K.S. 
  • Lakeside High School in Downs, K.S. 
  • Lakewood Middle School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Lakin High School in Lakin, K.S. 
  • Little River Middle School in Little River, K.S. 
  • Mission Valley High Schools in Mission Valley, K.S. 
  • Nickerson High School in Nickerson, K.S. 
  • Norton Community High School in Norton, K.S. 
  • Osborne Junior & Senior High School in Osborne, K.S. 
  • Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, K.S. 
  • Peabody-Burns JH/SR High School in Peabody, K.S. 
  • Piper High School in Kansas City, K.S. 
  • Remington High School in Whitewater, K.S. 
  • Rock Hills Junior & Senior High School in Mankato, K.S. 
  • Rose Hill High School in Rose Hills, K.S. 
  • Royal Valley High, Middle, and Elementary Schools in Mayetta, K.S. 
  • Royster Middle School in Chanute, K.S 
  • Sacred Heart Junior & Senior High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Salina Central High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Salina South High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Scott City Middle School in Scott City, K.S. 
  • Smoky Valley High School & Middle School in Lindsborg, K.S. 
  • South Central Middle School in Protection, K.S. 
  • Uniontown Junior & Senior High School in Uniontown, K.S. 
  • Wamego High School in Wamego, K.S. 


大香蕉导航 College continues to lead the way in music education and outreach, demonstrating its commitment to fostering the arts in young students. Events like Real Men Sing are vital in inspiring the next generation of musicians while strengthening 大香蕉导航’s reputation as a hub for musical excellence. 

 

The final performance is available for viewing on our YouTube.

 

大香蕉导航 College, founded by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Known for its fine arts and strong liberal arts programs, 大香蕉导航 College fosters a community where students grow academically and personally as they pursue their purpose. For more information, visit bethanylb.edu. 

A Degree 55 Years in the Making

May 6, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 6, 2025 — As 大香蕉导航 College celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, one graduate's walk across the stage represents an unfinished dream now fulfilled more than five decades later. In 1970, Marilyn Allen Peterson was just one class away from earning her degree in elementary education from 大香蕉导航 College. But when her husband, Dr. Thomas Peterson (大香蕉导航 Class of 1968), was called into military service during the Vietnam War, the couple relocated to Arizona with little notice. In the midst of the move, Marilyn was unable to complete her final requirement: a single science elective. Earlier this year, Dr. Peterson contacted 大香蕉导航 College to share his wife’s story and asked a simple question: Could she still finish what she started? Thanks to the efforts of faculty and staff who dug into old catalogs, found the transcripts stored on microfilm, and brainstormed creative solutions for completing that final requirement, we are proud to say: yes, she could—and she did. With her final credit completed, Marilyn became eligible to receive her degree. At age 76, Marilyn Allen Peterson officially joins the 大香蕉导航 College Class of 2025. During Commencement, she was recognized with heartfelt applause from the entire 大香蕉导航 community. "Marilyn, on behalf of 大香蕉导航 College, we celebrate your dedication, your patience, and your enduring Swede spirit," said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of 大香蕉导航 College. "Let this moment remind us all that it’s never too late to finish what we start, and that some of the most meaningful victories are the ones that take a little longer to reach." Marilyn’s story is not only a tribute to personal perseverance, but also a testament to the lifelong bonds formed at 大香蕉导航 College and the value of returning to one’s roots to complete the journey. The full Commencement Ceremony is available to view online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Dee6oUH3k Photos from the event can be found at: https://jimturner.zenfolio.com/bethanygraduation2025 Learn more about our Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/bethany-college-baccalaureate-and-commencement-speakers The full graduation press release can also be found on our website at: https://www.bethanylb.edu/congratulations-2025-graduates 大香蕉导航 College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, 大香蕉导航 has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At 大香蕉导航, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. 大香蕉导航 College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Congratulations 2025 Graduates

May 6, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 6, 2025 — 大香蕉导航 College conferred degrees upon 104 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on May 3, 2025. The ceremony recognized students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees during the 2024–2025 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate service at 10:30am, followed by the Commencement ceremony at 2:00pm in Presser Hall. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate service, with Ellie Dieringer, an advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, serving as the featured speaker. Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 大香蕉导航 alum, delivered the Commencement address. She currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. The Commencement Ceremony was marked by several special moments, including a welcome address from Dr. Laura Crawley, 大香蕉导航 College’s 16th President, who officially began her tenure just three days prior. Senior remarks were delivered by Carson Finke and Kort Sjogren, this year’s recipients of the Spencer Bartlett Senior Respect Award. Their speeches reflected on personal growth, the challenges they overcame, and the journey that led them to graduation. Both shared heartfelt stories that moved many in the audience to tears, while offering thoughtful advice and congratulations to their fellow graduates. Adding a powerful artistic moment to the ceremony, graduate Aubrey Larson performed “Defying Gravity” from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz. The event also featured a moving degree conferral for Marilyn Allen Peterson, whose 大香蕉导航 journey began in 1970 and culminated with her official graduation this year at age 76. Her story of perseverance and dedication has resonated deeply within the 大香蕉导航 community and beyond. Learn more about Marilyn Peterson's story here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/a-degree-55-years-in-the-making The full Commencement Ceremony is available to view online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Dee6oUH3k Photos from the event can be found at: https://jimturner.zenfolio.com/bethanygraduation2025 Learn more about our Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/bethany-college-baccalaureate-and-commencement-speakers

大香蕉导航 College Baccalaureate and Commencement Speakers

April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — 大香蕉导航 College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of 大香蕉导航 College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from 大香蕉导航 College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State. 锘� Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About 大香蕉导航 College 大香蕉导航 College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, 大香蕉导航 has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At 大香蕉导航, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. 大香蕉导航 College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
More News