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Kaarin holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wartburg College, with piano as her primary instrument and flute secondary. While at Wartburg, Kaarin studied piano with Dr. Suzanne Torkelson and was a member of the Wartburg Wind Ensemble when the group made their Carnegie Hall debut. Kaarin has taught private piano lessons, group piano classes, and private flute lessons since 2000.

I received my B.A. Degree in Instrumental, German and Vocal Music from Morningside College and my M.M.E Degree in Music Education Vocal and Instrumental from the University South Dakota. My career in teaching K-12 Instrumental and Vocal. My emphasis is elementary music. As well as teaching in the classroom I teach private instrumental and piano lessons focusing on the new learner and carrying them through to High School. I served as an adjudicator in area school competitions. It is really rewarding to see young musicians perform and be able share with them how to improve their playing techniques. I serve with Gloria Dei Church on the Worship Music group as Instrumental coordinator.

Gabe received his M.M. degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado in 2015, after completing his B.A. in Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa in 2013. Gabe has traveled to Italy, Thailand and China performing and teaching both jazz and classical music. During his time at UNC, Gabe served as lead alto for the Downbeat award-winning UNC Jazz Lab Band One, and was also a member of the award-winning Vanguard Combo. He has played with artists such as Chris Potter, Donny McCaslin, Deborah Brown and Christian McBride. He also teaches audio production classes in the Blue Moon Recording Studio at the Des Moines Social Club, in addition to being the production manager of the Des Moines Jazz Festival.

CLARINET

I received my B.A. Degree in Instrumental, German and Vocal Music from Morningside College and my M.M.E Degree in Music Education Vocal and Instrumental from the University South Dakota. My career in teaching K-12 Instrumental and Vocal. My emphasis is elementary music. As well as teaching in the classroom I teach private instrumental and piano lessons focusing on the new learner and carrying them through to High School. I served as an adjudicator in area school competitions. It is really rewarding to see young musicians perform and be able share with them how to improve their playing techniques. I serve with Gloria Dei Church on the Worship Music group as Instrumental coordinator.

Gabe received his M.M. degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado in 2015, after completing his B.A. in Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa in 2013. Gabe has traveled to Italy, Thailand and China performing and teaching both jazz and classical music. During his time at UNC, Gabe served as lead alto for the Downbeat award-winning UNC Jazz Lab Band One, and was also a member of the award-winning Vanguard Combo. He has played with artists such as Chris Potter, Donny McCaslin, Deborah Brown and Christian McBride. He also teaches audio production classes in the Blue Moon Recording Studio at the Des Moines Social Club, in addition to being the production manager of the Des Moines Jazz Festival.

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OBOE

SAXOPHONE

I received my B.A. Degree in Instrumental, German and Vocal Music from Morningside College and my M.M.E Degree in Music Education Vocal and Instrumental from the University South Dakota. My career in teaching K-12 Instrumental and Vocal. My emphasis is elementary music. As well as teaching in the classroom I teach private instrumental and piano lessons focusing on the new learner and carrying them through to High School. I served as an adjudicator in area school competitions. It is really rewarding to see young musicians perform and be able share with them how to improve their playing techniques. I serve with Gloria Dei Church on the Worship Music group as Instrumental coordinator.

Kyle earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music with an emphasis in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Iowa in 2013. As a student, he was in the Wind Symphony, Jazz Panthers Big Band and a variety of small ensembles - holding leadership positions in several groups. Additionally, he was in charge of chair placement for the UNI Honor Band, a recording engineer for the University, and independently ran sound at local venues developing a deeper understanding of many types of music. As a composer, Kyle debuted a quintet piece while touring in Italy with the Wind Symphony. Furthermore, he has written for big band, small jazz ensembles, and for the digital medium. He continues to create works for both traditional and digital settings. Kyle is enthusiastic to keep advancing music in his life and to do the same for his students.

Chad is currently in his tenth year teaching 5-12 Instrumental Music at Des Moines Christian School. A graduate of Ottumwa High School, he had the privilege of performing in ensembles under the direction of Barb Nasby, Phil Wise, Bill Cornelius, and Glen Flanigan. He received his Associate Arts Degree from Indian Hills Community College and Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa. Under his direction, the Des Moines Christian bands have received numerous division ratings and state honors in the areas of concert, jazz, and marching. His jazz bands have been very successful, placing among the top bands at the Iowa Jazz Championships, including a state title in 2004. Chad is a member of Iowa Bandmasters Assocation (IBA) and South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA).

Ron is a retired instrumental music instructor with 39 years of teaching experience in the public school system. He has many years of experience as a private teacher of saxophone, piano and organ. His saxophone students have been members of All-State bands and his piano and saxophone students have consistently received first place ratings at state music contests. He has frequently served as a saxophone clinician and honor band guest conductor. He has played organ, saxophone and piano for church since high school. Ron enjoys teaching students of all ages.

Gabe received his M.M. degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado in 2015, after completing his B.A. in Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa in 2013. Gabe has traveled to Italy, Thailand and China performing and teaching both jazz and classical music. During his time at UNC, Gabe served as lead alto for the Downbeat award-winning UNC Jazz Lab Band One, and was also a member of the award-winning Vanguard Combo. He has played with artists such as Chris Potter, Donny McCaslin, Deborah Brown and Christian McBride. He also teaches audio production classes in the Blue Moon Recording Studio at the Des Moines Social Club, in addition to being the production manager of the Des Moines Jazz Festival.

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