Music Archives - ��ԭ��

An Interview with Guest Speaker Lorraine Alner

Joseph Greene — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:22:39 +0000

The Music Department recently had the privilege of inviting Mrs. Lorraine (Yant) Alner to speak for their department chapel. Lorraine graduated from MBU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance. She has used her degree and her talents well, and we had the chance to ask her several questions regarding her current work, leadership, and ministry opportunities. Q: What are you doing now in Teaching? A: “Managing a private piano studio teaching about fifty students a week, ages five to eighteen. About fifty percent of my students are actively performing in local and state events. About twenty-five percent of my studio is comprised of students who are autistic, have ADHD, or struggle with anxiety, depression etc. “Since this past January, I have been recording every lesson with a first-time beginner student. This has been both encouraging and revealing for me to watch back. This project was incentivized after one of my students started teaching a new beginner themselves. “Outside the studio lesson time, I spend significant time lesson planning and digging for repertoire. I find choosing repertoire is consistently a challenge and ultimately the ‘make or break’ for the lesson with every student. Of course, administrative work is time consuming and involves a ton of communication […]

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Kenney Hedrick Euphonium Recital Highlights

��ԭ�� — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:05:33 +0000

On May 2, 2025, Kenney Hedrick performed his Senior Euphonium Recital in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. Kenney’s recital featured solo and collaborative works from all style periods, as well as sacred music. Two pieces were arranged by his friend and MBU alumnus Joel Montgomery. The diversity of the program showcased his technical skill and musical understanding. ��ԭ�� music faculty wrote that Kenney “played beautifully” and his “diverse repertoire was engaging.” They noted that Kenney “exhibited confidence and musicianship!” Kenney’s recital was prepared under the direction of Dr. David Brown. Accompanying Kenney were Emma Bateman and Grace VanRaden. Since graduation, Kenney has married and is looking for a church music director position. Lyric Suite Donald White Donald White’s “Lyric Suite” is quite taxing with complex rhythms and angular intervals. The composer craftily distributes melodic and harmonic ideas between the euphonium and piano, making the soloist and accompanist truly equal partners. This mid-20th-century “staple” has helped the euphonium gain recognition as a solo instrument. Funiculi Funicula Luigi Denza Arr. Herbert Clarke This memorable piece is full of joy and energy. The work was originally composed by Italian composer Luigi Denza, but was arranged […]

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Music on Mondays Series Features Violin and Cello Duo

��ԭ�� — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:09:24 +0000

MBU’s spring 2025 Music on Mondays concert series featured husband and wife team violinist Soh-Hyun Park Altino and cellist Leonardo Altino. “Virtuosity and Lyricism: A Celebration of Duo Masterpieces” explored music by Ravel, Glière, Kodály, and Halvorsen. The two concerts, one for families with young children and one for the Watertown area community, provided all music lovers with an opportunity to enjoy a masterful performance. Family Concert The 6 pm concert was tailored for a young audience. The performers discussed chamber music, collaborative playing techniques, and the ability to communicate through music. Through the use of stories, characterizations, and pictures, they helped the audience connect to the music. Soh-Hyun remarked that they performed the virtuosic Passacaglia “to show you how much fun it is to play violin and cello.” The program included a variety of pieces that portrayed contrasting stories and feelings. One young attendee, Richie, shared that his favorite piece was the opening (Duo, Op. 7 by Zoltán Kodály) because of the imagery of war and fighting. Drew, another student, commented that he enjoyed the concert because of the opportunity to watch live performers: “It’s awesome to hear some great, energetic music, as well as see whoever is doing […]

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Alissa Foerster Piano Recital Highlights

��ԭ�� — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:41:51 +0000

On April 4, 2025, Alissa Foerster performed her senior piano recital in Burckart Hall to an audience of family and friends. Music from all style periods and several collaborative works were featured, showcasing Alissa’s proficiency in solo and collaborative performing. Ruth Bachorik, associate professor, commented, “Alissa has demonstrated excellent growth in her playing, and a determination to persevere. Her recital was a joy to observe – the pieces were charming and captivating, at a perfect level for her, and she showed joy in sharing her pieces.” Professor Janet Tschida wrote, “Alissa’s grit, determination, and strong work ethic over the past four years was clearly demonstrated in her performance. Great choice of diverse repertoire showcasing a variety of pianistic styles. Congrats to Alissa on a successful evening.” Miss Foerster’s recital was prepared under the direction of Mrs. Ruth Brown and is given in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in Music with concentrations in Piano Pedagogy and Church Music. After graduation, Alissa plans to serve at Christian camps this summer in Louisiana and Hong Kong. This fall, she intends to teach private piano lessons, minister through music at her home church, and work for her dad’s […]

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A Passionate Professional | Celebrating Piano Teacher June Brus

��ԭ�� — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:33:39 +0000

June Brus loved music from the moment she began playing her neighbor’s piano as a child. She recalls making up songs on the piano, such as “We’re Having a Tea Party.” From age seven until college, she studied with the same piano instructor. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance, followed by a master’s in Piano Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. From childhood to adulthood, she attended live concerts of some of the greatest contemporary performers: Schiff, Horowitz, and Ashkenazy, to name a few, and master classes by Lyon Flescher, Menahem Pressler, and others, recalling, “These made such an impression… even if I went and learned one thing from them, it was worth it.” June spent many years teaching both out of her home and at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she was the head of the piano department. In 2003, she began providing piano lessons for ��ԭ�� (MBU) students. In addition to teaching private piano lessons to music majors and minors, she provides support and encouragement for piano pedagogy students, keyboard ensembles, chamber ensembles, and piano repertoire. Mission in Music June Brus’ personal mission is “to nurture […]

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Classical Kids Concert 2025 | Bach, Brahms, and the Boys

��ԭ�� — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 21:23:51 +0000

The ��ԭ�� (MBU) Symphonic Band and Chamber Strings performed the 21st Classical Kids Concert last week at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, WI. With over 900 kids, parents, and chaperones, MBU set a new attendance record for the Classical Kids Concerts! Dr. David Brown, Mr. Andrew Bonnema, and Ms. Melody Steinbart conducted the concert. This year’s theme was “Bach, Brahms, and the Boys,” featuring the works of composers whose last names start with the letter “B.” Famous pieces such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and unfamiliar pieces like “A Hunting Scene” provided an exciting concert for children of all ages. The audience also enjoyed the acting and commentary throughout the concert by the conductors and the guest actor, Mr. “B.” One student performer, violinist Charis Dwire, commented, “I enjoyed getting to see the excitement and wonder on the kids’ faces. Whether it was the little boy sitting in the front staring at Dr. Brown and trying to conduct with him, or the kids running around at the end asking for everyone’s autograph, it was cool to have the opportunity to be a part of something that gets children excited about classical music.” Mary Ann Lazzell, a member of the […]

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Advice for Students Changing Music Teachers

��ԭ�� — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:23:58 +0000

Change can be challenging. Musicians often experience difficulties when transitioning to a new private lesson teacher. Several factors may contribute to this struggle, such as adapting to new skills introduced by the teacher or feeling an immediate disconnect with their personality. Whatever the case may be, challenges are inevitable when starting lessons with a new instructor. This article provides both perspective and practical steps to implement when you transfer to a different studio. Benefits of Changing Teachers There are many benefits to studying with a variety of music instructors. First, each teacher emphasizes different skills based on their strengths. For example, your new teacher may emphasize technique while your former teacher focused on musicality. Adjusting your focus will help you become a more balanced musician. Second, a new teacher offers a fresh perspective on your abilities and repertoire. They evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and offer support in these areas. Additionally, they may introduce you to new ideas or pieces that your former teacher did not cover, broadening your understanding of musical interpretation and expanding your repertoire. Finally, they often have professional connections that can assist you in networking with other musicians. Challenges of Changing Teachers Changing teachers can come […]

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Artist Series 2025 | Love Songs through the Ages

��ԭ�� — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:07:01 +0000

Baritone Dr. David Parker, accompanied by pianist Dr. Benjamin Downs and cellist Mrs. Rebeccah Parker Downs, soloed in this year’s Artist Series, “Love Songs through the Ages.” Journeying from classical to romantic to modern-day music, Dr. Parker enthralled the audience with beautiful musical expressions of love across time. Concert The program contained Italian, French, Russian, German, and English language love songs from classical repertoire through classical music theater. Featured composers included Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Bernstein. Dr. David Parker soloed on many of the pieces, but two cello and piano duets were also featured. The audience particularly enjoyed Amy Beach’s Romance. Its rich expressions of love stirred the audience to feel joy and sorrow, contentment and angst. The cello and piano duo also played Piazzolla’s energetic Grand Tango. In addition, student musicians and vocalists joined Dr. Parker on several numbers. Jackson Schoonover accompanied on French Horn for West Side Story’s Maria. The concert’s inspiring finale, Con Te Partirò, included MBU students accompanying on strings and brass, and a student choir singing behind Dr. Parker. Dr. Bachorik conducted the ensemble. Performers Dr. David Parker earned a B.S. in Music Education and an M.M in Vocal Performance from Bob Jones University; a […]

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Announcing the 2025 Concerto Competition Winner

��ԭ�� — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:33:33 +0000

This year’s Concerto Competition was held on Tuesday, February 11th. Adjudicated by Dr. Richard Hynson, the competition featured five contestants performing voice, piano, woodwind, and string concertos. Winner Zane Richard won first place, accompanied by Jodi Herbert, performing the first movement from Keyboard Concerto in D minor by Bach. Richard is a Music Major with concentrations in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy. He will receive a $100 cash prize. Runner-up This year’s runner up is Charis Dwire, accompanied by Abigail Boorujy. Dwire performed Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 14, Mvt. 1 by Barber. Charis Dwire is a Music Major with concentrations in Arranging and Composing and String Pedagogy. As runner up, Dwire won a $25 cash prize. Adjudicator After the competition, Dr. Hynson commented, “All the young musicians brought commitment and musical excellence and an authenticity of spirit that informed their performances. Bravo!” Dr. Hynson is the Music Director of the Kettle Moraine Symphony. He has won many awards for choral and orchestral conducting, including the American Prize in Choral Conducting – Community Choral Division. In his spare time, he guest conducts both stateside and internationally.

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2025 Great Lakes Music Festival: “Heaven and Nature Sing”

��ԭ�� — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:16:08 +0000

Over 200 high schoolers visited ��ԭ��’s campus earlier this month for our 2025 Great Lakes Music Festival (GLMF): “Heaven and Nature Sing.” Students attending GLMF participate in a musical track of their choosing: band, string orchestra, men’s chorus, ladies’ chorus, or piano, and join an all-festival chorus led by music department chair, Dr. Doug Bachorik. The festival serves as a musical experience for high schoolers and a preview of ��ԭ��’s music opportunities and campus life. In addition to the numerous attendees from Wisconsin and neighboring Midwest states, students come from states as far as California, Vermont, and Pennsylvania! Grace, a high school participant in the band track, reflected on how amazing it is to have students from all over the US come together and make beautiful music that ultimately brings glory to God. Music Experience GLMF provides a great introduction to the MBU music culture and faculty. Under the direction of MBU faculty, ��ԭ�� university musicians rehearse with the high schoolers for most of Friday and Saturday morning in preparation for the Saturday afternoon concert. School sponsors and parents also attend and participate in the festival. Sarah Jones, a music teacher from Rock County Christian School, recognizes the value […]

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Music Archives - ����ԭ��