Concordia University Vocal Jazz Choir to embark on fall 2026 trip

The Concordia University, Nebraska Vocal Jazz Choir will kick off its 2026-2027 season by traveling parts of Nebraska and South Dakota. The trip will take place the weekend of September 11-13, with the opening performance at the Orphan Grain Train (OGT) International Convention in Norfolk, Nebraska. 

“This is always such a fun gig for the Vocal Jazz Choir,” said Dr. Kurt von Kampen, music department chair. “The folks at Orphan Grain Train are so welcoming and appreciative of our performance. It’s also a terrific chance for us to showcase Concordia’s students and our music program. In past years, nearly 300 people have been in attendance for this event.”  

OGT is an organization dedicated to supplying food, clothing and other relief supplies to people in need all over the world. The organization began in 1992 by providing $60,000 worth of supplies locally and abroad. It has grown and expanded since, and more than $43 million of aid was distributed domestically and internationally in 2025.  

The choir was invited to perform at the conference by OGT Vice President of Operations Grant Schmidt ‘83. Schmidt served as a staff member at Concordia Nebraska from 1987 to 2012 in the student life office, as well as serving as head men’s basketball coach, athletic director and co-chair of the Walz Human Performance Center. In addition, Schmidt taught a few classes throughout his years at the university.  

“This is always such a fun gig for the Vocal Jazz Choir. The folks at Orphan Grain Train are so welcoming and appreciative of our performance. It’s also a terrific chance for us to showcase Concordia’s students and our music program.”

"Dr. von Kampen is an outstanding professional and certainly a true blessing to Concordia University, its students, its alumni and to the church at large,” said Schmidt. “We are so proud to have his Vocal Jazz Choir perform for us at our convention.” 

The Vocal Jazz choir was formed in the fall of 2006 and has earned a reputation of excellence in jazz and pop-style choral music. The choir has performed throughout the United States along with local and on-campus performances each semester.  

Students in the Vocal Jazz Choir represent a variety of academic studies across the university. Members are chosen by audition and are all members of the internationally acclaimed University A Cappella Choir.  

The Vocal Jazz Choir is under the direction of von Kampen, who also serves as the director of the A Cappella Choir. Von Kampen has a bachelor’s degree in music from Concordia University, Nebraska, a master’s degree in choral conducting from Oakland University and a doctorate in choral music education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

Renowned pianist and Concordia Nebraska Professor of Music Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo will perform with the choir. She has a degree in music education from Concordia University Chicago and two graduate degrees in piano performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

In addition to the opening performance, the Vocal Jazz Choir will be performing at churches in Norfolk, Nebraska; Columbus, Nebraska; and Yankton, South Dakota. All concerts are free and open to the public. A free-will donation will be taken at intermission to defray the costs of the trip. 

Itinerary 

Friday, September 11 

Orphan Grain Train International Convention performance 

Saturday, September 12 

Christ Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska 

11 a.m. Concert 

St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton, South Dakota 

4 p.m. Concert 

Sunday September 13 

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Yankton, South Dakota 

Morning Worship 

Peace Lutheran Church, Columbus, Nebraska 

4 p.m. Concert 

Members of the University Vocal Jazz Choir include: 

Hadleigh Collison, sophomore, Pierce, Nebraska, Soprano 

Sean Duffy, senior, Kenesaw, Nebraska, Bass 

David Eatherton, junior, St. Louis, Missouri, Tenor 

Lydia Edmonds, junior, Gretna, Nebraska, Soprano 

Michaela Gibbs, junior, Belleville, Illinois, Soprano 

Yaphet Michael, junior, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bass 

Melissa Oblinger, junior, Tomball, Texas, Alto 

Timothy Pester, sophomore, Seward, Nebraska, Bass 

Jacob Speckhard, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tenor 

Johanna Speckhard, sophomore, Munster, Indiana, Alto 

Samantha Vogel, sophomore, North Royal, Ohio, Alto 

Naomi Weber, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Alto 

Yeabsira Yidnekachew, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bass 

Micah Zeckzer, junior, New Haven, Indiana, Tenor 

The music department at Concordia University, Nebraska provides students with a top-tier, Christ-centered education that prepares them to serve the church and world with their music. Learn more about Concordia’s musical ensembles and lesson opportunities here.