Concordia hosts Nebraska Music Teacher Association Conference

The weekend of October 17-19, Concordia University, Nebraska hosted the annual Nebraska Music Teacher Association (NMTA) conference in the Borland Center for Music and Theatre.

The NMTA consists primarily of college music faculty and music teachers who operate private studios. The organization rotates locations for the annual fall conference, and this was the first year that Concordia hosted. 

Music department chair Dr. Kurt von Kampen gave the opening address for the conference, Tenacity and Humility. Professor of music Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo said that the personable yet bold message reflected Concordia Nebraska’s attention to high standards, hard work, encouragement and genuine humility. 

Later that day, the department presented a recital in the Borland Recital Hall featuring Concordia music faculty and students. Performers included adjunct professor of music Timothy Aulner, horn; Ian Fiala, guitar; Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo, piano; adjunct professor of music Bennet Jandreau, vibraphone; adjunct professor of music Dr. Kevin Madden, tuba; Dylan Parker, tenor; and adjunct professor of music Calvin Rhode, piano. The recital was well received by conference attendees. 

“As the day progressed, I heard many positive comments from those who attended. They loved our facilities; they loved our pianos; they loved how easy we were to work with; they loved the feel of the campus. It made me super proud to work here.”

Overall, Concordia made a very positive impression on the members of NMTA. 

Dr. Grimpo said, “As the day progressed, I heard many positive comments from those who attended. They loved our facilities; they loved our pianos; they loved how easy we were to work with; they loved the feel of the campus. It made me super proud to work here.”

The positive lasting impressions will hopefully lead to stronger relationships with music educators and programs throughout the state of Nebraska.

“After the conference ended, the attendees left with a wonderfully positive impression of Concordia, which was my hope,” explained Dr. Grimpo. We are very excited to continue our relationships with music educators around the state, and hopefully, we’ll be able to host another conference in a few years!”

In addition to the music faculty, Crissy Anson and Jennifer Furr played important roles in making sure that the event ran smoothly and efficiently.

About Concordia University, Nebraska: Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 2,500 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.