THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF THE SMOKY VALLEY ANNOUNCES FIRST CONCERT OF 2023

December 14, 2022

´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is pleased to announce the Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley (COSV) concert on Jan. 15, 2023, at 4 p.m. at ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kan. 


The performance will feature works by Igor Stravinsky, Edward Elgar, and Franz Schubert. 


Supported by ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College and the Lindsborg Arts Council, the COSV is an auditioned regional ensemble of professional musicians that includes not only ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ faculty members but players from Wichita, Manhattan, Salina, and Kansas City as well. Under the musical direction of Keith Dodson, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies, and led by concertmaster Ann Samuelson, the ensemble seeks to educate and engage audience members through the performance of orchestral masterworks. 


While there are many symphonic orchestras in the Central Kansas area, this ensemble is unique in terms of its smaller size and consistently   maintains accomplished principle musicians from all over the region. 


“As a musician and connoisseur of classical music, I believe it is essential to support the COSV as it brings a high-quality performance and people to our local area together through their appreciation of music. Represented is a diverse host of faculty from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University. Alongside these players are members of the Salina Symphony, Wichita Symphony, Kansas City Civic, and Kansas City Symphony, as well as our Lindsborg musicians and ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College faculty. Keith Dodson has programmed a season of music that will provoke your thoughts, inspire your creativity, and, most importantly, bring us closer as a community that cherishes decorating our communal time with the sounds of music,” says President Elizabeth Mauch. 



Ann Samuelson is a recently retired Instructor of Music in Violin/Viola and Piano Proficiency at ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College. She is a member of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and maintains a private studio of violin and viola students. She received her Bachelor of Music Education and Kodaly certification from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Connecticut.


Nancy Johnson has been the principal second violin of the Wichita Symphony since 2000. She is also on the faculties of Bethel College and Hesston College teaching private violin students. Johnson holds degrees in violin performance from The University of Kansas and Virginia Commonwealth University with post-graduate work at the University of Northern Colorado.


Ricardo Cavalcante de Oliveira started his musical career as a violist at Pernambuco Conservatory in Brazil at the age of 13. Cavalcante de Oliveira graduated from The University of Kansas with a Master of Music with an emphasis in Viola Performance in 2022.


Meagan Dodson is currently the instructor of cello at ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College and a student in the Masters of String Pedagogy program at the University of Kansas studying under Hannah Collins. She was recently appointed to the cello faculty at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan.


Andrew Book (double bass) is a 5th-12th grade orchestra teacher of 12 years in the Blue Valley West area of Overland Park, Kan. Book graduated from Wichita State University with degrees in Music Education and Double Bass, and completed his Master of Music Education, with an emphasis in String Pedagogy.


Colleen White is an Assistant Professor of Flute at Kansas State University. She has coordinated performance events for Grammy Award Winners, MacArthur Fellows, and Guggenheim Fellows for the Colorado Flute Association and Spoleto Festival USA. White regularly performs in a wide variety of solo, orchestral, and chamber music settings across North America, including performances with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and at Carnegie Hall.


Margaret Marco is the Professor of Oboe at the University of Kansas and principal oboist of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. She holds a bachelor of music degree from Northwestern University, a master of music education from The University of Iowa, and a doctor of music arts degree from the University of Illinois.


Susan Gustavson Maxwell is a teacher, performer, and reed maker. She currently, teaches Bassoon, History of Rock, Aural Skills, and Introduction to Music at Kansas State University and performs regularly with the Konza Wind Quintet and the Tallgrass Trio. Maxwell is the only named bassoon tool maker for her Bassoon Reed Profiler. This tool is in use at all major music schools around the country. Another area of expertise is the art of playing high notes on the bassoon. This has resulted in a High Note Studies published with three retailers.


Meri Jenkins completed her baccalaureate degree in music performance in her hometown at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and completed her master’s degree in music performance at Wichita State University. She owns and operates Intrepid Brass Wichita LLC, which creates work and opportunities for brass players through chamber brass gigs and the newly created community ensemble, Intrepid Brass Band. Jenkins teaches adjunct brass lessons at Bethel College and maintains a private studio of middle and high school students across Wichita.


Andrew Bishop holds a master’s degree in trumpet performance from the University of Missouri and studied trumpet performance at Wichita State University. In the spring of 2019, Andrew won the Principal Trumpet chair with the Des Moines Symphony. In the fall of 2021, Andrew was named Lecturer of Trumpet at Iowa State University.


Dan Hinman is an instructor at Kansas State University where he teaches applied trombone, the KSU Trombone Choir, and other academic music courses. Hinman holds a music education degree from North Dakota State University, a master of music degree from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in trombone performance from the University of North Texas.


This concert is free and open to the public.


´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.


May 9, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 9, 2025 — ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College held an employee recognition dinner on May 6 to celebrate the end of the academic year. Faculty and staff celebrating service anniversaries included Denise Carson, Director of the Wallerstedt Library (40 years); Frank Ballew, Director of Publications (25 years); Andrea Ring, Chair of the Department of Psychology and Associate Professor of Psychology (15 years); Marcus Hensel, Assistant Professor of English (10 years); and Kelley Menke, Thomas DeWitt, Adam Long, Dala Roberts, Brian Powers, and Jenni Snider (5 years). These dedicated individuals exemplify the lasting commitment that helps define the ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ experience. We’re proud to celebrate their continued service and the strength they bring to our campus community. The Donna Meredith Humphreys Award for Teaching was presented to Dr. Rob Habiger , Class of 1969, in recognition of his exceptional mentorship and dedication to his students. The award, established by Don and Alice Humphreys of Great Bend, Kansas, honors the memory of their daughter, Meredy, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ in 1991. It is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding teaching ability, inspires intellectual curiosity in both students and colleagues, and takes a genuine interest in students’ personal growth. The recipient must also encourage leadership and the development of strong character. Dr. Habiger, who recently moved back to Colorado with his wife Celeste, played a significant role in leading the Presidential Search Committee and teaching physics during his time in Lindsborg. Over the past year, Rob and Celeste became deeply involved in the ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College community, attending nearly every event, founding a scholarship, hosting gatherings, mentoring students, and generously volunteering their time throughout the town. In addition to the Meredy Humphreys Award, Rob and Celeste were honored with the special TTT (Time, Talent, Treasure) Award for their exceptional contributions to the campus. ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is deeply grateful for their dedication and service. Dr. Marcus Hensel , Associate Professor of English, was named the recipient of the Mortvedt Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award . Established in honor of former ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ President Robert Mortvedt, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding teaching, distinctive leadership, and a commitment to strengthening the college’s academic and campus life. Dr. Hensel was selected for his engaging classroom approach, commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to the academic life of the college. Crystal Houp , Admissions Operations Manager, received the Ken Sjogren Annual Staff Service Award , which recognizes a full-time staff member who exemplifies hospitality, servant leadership, collaboration, and steadfast support for the mission of ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College. Crystal has served ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College for nearly two decades, consistently demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and care in her work. Her impact on the campus community, particularly within the Admissions Office, has been both broad and lasting. Colleagues and nominators described her as dependable, detail-oriented, and a true steward of hospitality. “Over the many years that Crystal has been at ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½, she has served hundreds of families along with our faculty and staff,” one nomination read. “Her work may go unnoticed to many, but to the team she works with and those she serves, it’s something you can’t miss.” The Ken Sjogren Annual Staff Service Award honors the legacy of Kenneth “Ken” Edward Sjogren ’57, who served ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College for 23 years in various leadership roles. The award celebrates the vital role staff play in the life of the college and their partnership in supporting students and faculty. ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is grateful for Crystal’s outstanding contributions and is proud to recognize her with this year’s award. ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
May 6, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 6, 2025 — As ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College. But when her husband, Dr. Thomas Peterson (´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College Class of 2025. During Commencement, she was recognized with heartfelt applause from the entire ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ community. "Marilyn, on behalf of ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College, we celebrate your dedication, your patience, and your enduring Swede spirit," said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
May 6, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 6, 2025 — ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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, ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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 ´óÏã½¶µ¼º½ 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
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