Concordia University Vocal Jazz Choir to perform for American Guild of Organists

The Concordia University, Nebraska Vocal Jazz Choir will perform at the Nebraska Chapter of the American Guild of Organists’ (NEAGO) annual kickoff banquet. This performance is a part of their fall 2026 performance season, which includes multiple performances in various parts of Nebraska. The NEAGO performance will take place on September 27. 

The American Guild of Organists (AGO) seeks to foster a thriving community that shares knowledge and inspires passion for the organ. The Nebraska chapter places an emphasis on promoting and supporting young and underserved organists and organ enthusiasts through educational events, recitals and scholarships that go towards private organ lessons. 

“Although the newly-merged Nebraska Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is very much still in its formative stage, we also have larger-than-life goals and aspirations for organists and organ-related events in our region,” said Timothy Schreiber, dean of NEAGO. “As many are well aware, the organ is somewhat of a 'dying art’, with numbers of jobs, new instruments and available organists on the decline. The chapter is none-the-less committed to our goals and is looking to broaden our visibility across the state. Whether though our events, membership or spreading the word, we want every organist, church musician and friend of the organ to be encouraged and excited by our magnificent instrument.” 

The Omaha and Lincoln chapters of AGO recently merged to form the Nebraska chapter. The board wanted to kick off this new start in a special way.  

“As organists and church musicians, much of our lives revolve around the ‘classical’ repertoire,” said Schreiber. “My intention behind involving the Vocal Jazz Choir was to celebrate our milestone in a fresh and exciting way and to build support and visibility for one of our most important collegiate music programs in Nebraska at Concordia Nebraska.” 

“As organists and church musicians, much of our lives revolve around the “classical” repertoire. My intention behind involving the Vocal Jazz Choir was to celebrate our milestone in a fresh and exciting way and to build support and visibility for one of our most important collegiate music programs in Nebraska at Concordia Nebraska.”

The University Vocal Jazz Choir was formed in fall 2006 and has earned a reputation for 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.  

The University Vocal Jazz Choir is under the direction of Music Department Chair Dr. Kurt von Kampen, who also serves as the director of the internationally acclaimed University 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. 

“I’m looking forward to taking the Vocal Jazz Choir on the road to Ashland to perform for some of the Midwest’s finest musicians,” said von Kampen. “Over the years, the choir has performed for a variety of gatherings, but this is the first time it will be for organists!” 

In addition to this performance, the choir will also open for internationally acclaimed chamber ensemble Voces8 on October 4 and perform at the Great Plains Lutheran Educators Conference on October 18.  

Members of the Vocal Jazz Choir include: 

Sean Duffy, senior, Kenesaw, Nebraska, Bass 

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

Lydia Edmonds, junior, Gretna, Nebraska, Soprano 

Lydia Fink, junior, Olathe, Kansas, Soprano 

Michaela Gibbs, junior, Belleville, Illinois, Soprano 

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.