BUILDING UPON A RICH PAST AS WE BUILD BEAUTIFUL VOICES FOR THE FUTURE
About Us
Alumni
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln owns a rich and distinguished list of alums that have matriculated and gone on to lead some of the most prominent music departments, Schools of Music, and choir departments in the country (and become, on more than one occasion, national Presidents of the American Choral Directors Association!!!). The list of alums reads like a Who's Who in choral leaders and luminaries. In addition to national choral leaders, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln also produces music educators and conductors that lead many of the most ambitious and recognized music programs in the Midwest. UNL has long had a major influence on students of all ages and students of all ability levels. As the flagship institution of higher learning in the state, high priority is given to producing tomorrow's leaders, tomorrow's educators, and tomorrow's most respected musicians. The choral area has long partnered and collaborated with other music department entities to enhance the experiences that our students and state-wide constituents gain from a high level of arts that in-turn influences the region, the country, and the world.
Meet our AlumniThe "Betty & Lee Kjelson Distinguished Choral Scholar Residency Program"
Thanks to a VERY generous set of gifts from alums Betty and Lee Kjelson (Lee was the former long-time choral music head at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida), UNL's choral students and conducting students have enjoyed other conductors of acclaim who have worked with UNL choirs, concertized, conducted masterclasses, worked with individual conductors, cliniced local college and high school groups, and collaborated. The list of honored invitees includes Ann Howard Jones (from Boston University), Mack Wilberg (Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), Weston Noble (Prof. at Luther College), Eph Ehly (Prof. from UMKC), Andre Thomas (Florida State University), Doreen Rao (University of Toronto), and Jerry Blackstone (the University of Michigan).
"I wouldn't trade my experiences at the UNL Glenn Korff School of Music! The solid academic program plus unlimited opportunities for solo and ensemble study have provided a needed foundation for my musical roles as a teacher, conductor, writer, composer, and arranger. Best of all was the personal interest given to me in the BME and MM degree years on campus, and throughout my 56-year professional career. Great appreciation to all whose interest and guidance have been so important to me." ~ Lee Kjelson (Alumus and former Director of Choral Studies at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, and Benefactor and namesake of the Betty and Lee Kjelson Choral Scholar Residency)
What they are saying...
"My experiences at the University of Nebraska, no doubt, propelled me into a long and joyous career as an educator, mentor, and conductor. THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE NEBRASKA!" ~ Morris Hayes (Alumus, Past-President of the American Choral Directors Association and longtime Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire)
"Through inspired teaching, UNL provided me with some of the most impressionable first experiences in my pre-professional music making and awaremess, It is true what they say, that one should stop and give thanks for those who have gone before us, who inspired us, who helped us become who and what we are today. I am thankful for my UNL teachers and experiences, the power of whch continues to 'appear and inspire'" ~ Sharon Hanson (Alumna, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and author of Helmut Rilling: Conductor—Teacher, Editorial Board member of The Choral Journal and recently honored as a UNL Hixon-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts "Distinguished Alum")
"I am indebted to the Glenn Korff School of Music for such extraordinary inspiration and education! My teachers were all challenging, caring, and great mentors. Whatever success I have had in music is largely due to that wonderful experience as a student." ~ William Hatcher (Alumnus, Past-President of the American Choral Directors Association and past Director of Choral Activities at the University of Washington, UCLA, and the University of Iowa)