Open House/Registration for the 2023-24 Voluntary Four-Year-Old Preschool Program – January 30th
Open House/Registration for the 2023-24 Voluntary Four-Year-Old Preschool Program – January 30th
Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools
Parent Meeting for the 2023-2024 Kindergarten Class – February 7th
Parent Meeting for the 2023-2024 Kindergarten Class – February 7th
Luther College Symphony Orchestra to perform Vienna Residency Homecoming Concert
The Luther College Symphony Orchestra performs in Stockerau, Austria. Photo by Bill Rosholt.
The Luther College Symphony Orchestra will present their Vienna Residency Homecoming Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther College campus.
The concert comes after the student performers spent more than three weeks in Vienna, rehearsing, performing and experiencing music in a city known for its world-class orchestras.
“This trip has given me the opportunity to not only attend performances and concerts on a daily basis but also to rehearse and aspire to that level,” said Catherine Wedin ’23, violin. “Every night we are able to hear some of the greatest symphonies and operas, in the city where it all originated.”
Conducted by Daniel Baldwin, the Homecoming Concert will feature a variety of works including Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 8” in G major, George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Anatoly Lyadov’s “Kikimora, Op. 63.” The event is open to the public with no charge for admission.
While abroad, the students also take part in a four-credit course taught by Luther faculty. This year, Martin Klammer, professor of English, and Kathy Reed, Paideia director and instructor in music, led the students through an in-depth study of Angus Robertson’s “The Crossroads of Civilization: A History of Vienna.” Class lectures were paired with experiential visits to important places in Vienna, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere Palace, and to memorable performances including Brahms’ First and Second Symphonies at the Konzerthaus and “La Boheme” at the Staatsoper.
“In addition to making new friendships, expanding my comfort zones and becoming a more independent person, studying abroad/being able to go on tour with the Symphony Orchestra in Vienna has given me the experience of a lifetime that I will never forget,” said Sophia Kouay ’23, percussion. “Vienna is such a unique city, with so much history and culture attached to it and as a musician, I am continually in awe of the world-class musicianship and history we get to experience during our time here.”
A Symphony Orchestra small group outside Mozart’s birthplace
While music is the heart and soul of the residency, Luther students also experience some distinctive Viennese traditions—from enjoying goulash and schnitzel for meals, to attending a formal Officers’ Ball at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Some students even ventured on side trips to Hungary, Slovenia, or Salzburg.
The Luther College Symphony Orchestra is Luther’s largest and oldest orchestral ensemble. The group is made up of more than 80 student musicians, representing a variety of academic disciplines. Many members also sing in a choir, play in a band or jazz ensemble, and form small chamber groups. Every four years since 1977, the student musicians live, practice and perform in Vienna for three weeks during the month of January.
About Luther College Music
Luther is home to one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance. Learn more at luther.edu/music.
DHS Speech Students Excel at District Large Group Speech Contest
Decorah High School speech students participated in a district Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, January 21st held at Turkey Valley High School.
The performers had an excellent showing, earning 28 Division I ratings out of 29 total entries. The ninth-grade team performed in five entries, and the varsity team performed in 24 entries. Each ninth-grade and varsity entry receiving a Division I rating will perform at state competition on Saturday, February 4th, at Waterloo West High School.
Cast lists for the varsity groups moving to state contest are as follows:
Choral Reading “The Power of Words” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants include Aya Hawthorn, Junior Battle, Elsa Johnson, Margret Zook, Annika Keefe, Sylvia Sandhorst, Julia Schwarz, Luke Arendt, Bethany Hanson, Gabriel Hiner, Jensen Korsness, Simon Kutz, Grace Blikre, Corina Timm, and Natalie Goodner.
Ensemble Acting “The Spot” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants include Leslie Campbell, Peter Essa, Ethan Stravers, Danielle Rix, Gwen Thompson, and Elliana Brodbeck.
Ensemble Acting “Bullies Anonymous” was directed by Lyra McKnight. Participants include Rebecca Bruening, Kathryn Kelly, Lexy Walker, Davis Coppola, Klaara Short, and Nathan Swarbrick.
Ensemble Acting “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” was directed by Lyra McKnight. Participants include Libby Phillips, Evon Leitz, Ezra Vorvick, Grace Blikre, Rebecca Kane, and Lucas Hanson.
Group Improv was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight. Participants performed in three groups.
Group One: Adam Jones, Anders Lovstuen, Ansel Kowitz, Jack Sovern, and Alex Irwin.
Group Two: Henry Weis, Abbie Valkosky, Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Brynn Storhoff.
Group Three: Liam Chamberlain, Greta Jones, Lily Sandhorst, Oliver Brummel, and Beau Newhouse.
Group Mime “Jen’s Big Day” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Chloe Chyle, Brinley Krivachek, Mya Redenius, Lily Iverson, Kaeley Downing, and Jorja Folkedahl.
Group Mime “Paycheck Please” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Britann Mettille, Paige Wrightsman, Natalie Goodner, Faith Meyer, and Julia Schwarz.
Group Mime “Rumors” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Jensen Korsness, Sophia Christman, Grace Neal, Thea Schissel, Max Wilson, and Sally Laybourn.
Solo Mime “Oh Snap!” by Rebecca Anderson was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.
Solo Mime “The Assis-STUNT” by Ramsey Zilka was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.
Musical Theater “Mean Girls” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Ella Grouws, Jenna Hartz, Hayley Stowe, Elsa Johnson, Ada Lovelace, Gwen Thompson, Annalise Skrade, and Elayna Hook.
Musical Theater “Come from Away” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Jake Magner, Max Wilson, Rebecca Kane, Ezra Vorvick, Alex Kane, and Sally Laybourn.
One Act Play “New Normal” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Bella Bishop, Jenna Hartz, Alex Kane, Ada Lovelace, Ellen Rooney, Kathryn Kelly, Hayley Stowe, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Margret Zook, Camryn Holland, and Danielle Rix.
Radio Broadcasting “KOLD” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Amelia Dugger, Grace Hoyland, Sylvia Sandhorst, Anders Lovstuen, Alex McGohan, Britann Mettille, Karmyn Bakken, and Lillian Jensen.
Radio Broadcasting “KQNA” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Evynne Downing, Camryn Holland, Davis Coppola, Easton Luzum, Lily Sandhorst, Nathan Swarbrick, Addison Wicklund, and Hannah Arendt.
Readers Theater “Starcatcher” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Bella Bishop, Sophia Christman, Carter Kowitz, Jake Magner, Michael Njus, Ethan Stravers, Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Oliver Brummel, Greta Jones, Ramsey Zilka, McKenzie Riley, Grant Zilka, and Rebecca Anderson.
Short Film “Run, Hide, Fight” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Liam Chamberlain, Annalise Skrade, Annaleissa Arnold, Bethany Hanson, Faith Meyer, Liz Pritchard, Beau Newhouse, Caden Branum, Amelia Dugger, Ella Grouws, Grace Hoyland, Mya Redenius, Caleb Krieg, Evynne Downing, and Evon Leitz.
Short Film “Reflections” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Kamryn Steines, Hannah Arendt, Chloe Chyle, Klaara Short, Diep Doan, Braunwyn Darrington, Lucas Hanson, Paige Werner, Andy Kruger, Annika Keefe, Ryan Sibley, Kealy Hines, Joe Stammeyer, and Daniel Skrade.
Short Film “Soar” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Nev Harper, Bailey Donaldson, Adam Jones, Thomas Esslemont, and Jakob Maret.
TV News “Vanished: The Search for Jodi Huisentruit” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Diep Doan, Kaeley Downing, Lily Iverson, Karmyn Bakken, Grace Neal, Ellen Rooney, Kamryn Steines, Thea Schissel, Kealy Hines, Bridget Bentley, Braunwyn Darrington, Sydney Kipp, Rebecca Bruening, and Addison Wicklund.
TV News “Iowa Wild: Off the Grid” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Simon Kutz, Corina Timm, Paige Wrightsman, Easton Luzum, Liz Pritchard, Annaleissa Arnold, Lillian Jensen, Caden Branum, Jack Sovern, Brynn Storhoff, Luke Arendt, Ansel Kowitz, Paige Werner, Daniel Skrade, and Andy Kruger.
Cast lists for other varsity groups that performed at District contest are as follows:
Solo Mime “Crime Doesn’t Pay” by Junior Battle was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.
Cast lists for the 9th grade groups moving onto State contest are as follows:
Musical Theater “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Ariana Albert, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elsa Christman, Caleb Johnson, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, and Jameson LaBelle.
Radio Broadcasting “KLRS” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Carson Bohner, Trevor Kuennen, Madysen Lippe, Caden Malanaphy, and Mitchell Stemper.
Readers Theater “The Complete Works of Harry Potter (Abridged)” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Ariana Albert, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elsa Christman, Caleb Johnson, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, Klara Kelly, Nora Lesmeister, Kaylie Wemark, and Willow Shroyer.
TV News “Breaking Barriers: The Extraordinary Life of Chris Norton” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Will Duder, Karlee Bullerman, Trevor Kuennen, Jameson LaBelle, Nora Lesmeister, Lyla Lovstuen, Will Robinson, Naomi Pedlar, Kendal Quam, Willow Shroyer, Annika Schmelzer, Mara Branum, and Mitchell Stemper.
Short Film “Alone” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Carson Bohner, Karlee Bullerman, Marri Feuerhelm, Madysen Lippe, Lyla Lovstuen, Caden Malanaphy, Will Robinson, Annika Schmelzer, Kaylie Wemark, Mara Branum, and Alina Tallier.
DHS students perform exceedingly well at High School Music Listening Contest
The High School Music Listening Contest regional event took place on Friday, January 20, at six regions across Minnesota and Utah. Nearly 70 teams participated in the contest this year, representing 50 different schools, home schools, and private music studios.
Decorah High School had ten teams of three students each competing at Pine Island High School in Minnesota at the Region 5 competition. This was the biggest group from any school, and the largest number of teams from DHS thus far. This is the 4th year of Decorah students competing in the contest, coached by Nicole Cody.
Eight of Decorah’s ten teams placed in the top ten of the competition out of 19 teams participating from six schools. Earning 1st place with a score of 83/100 were Alex McGohan, Liz Pritchard, and Jensen Korsness. Two Decorah teams tied for 2nd place with a score of 78/100: Sylvia Sandhorst, Lily Sandhorst, and Grace Blikre; and Klara Kelly, Elsa Christman, and Mara Branum. Teams from Decorah also earned 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 12th, and 15th places. Cody remarked, “I am incredibly proud of all the teams. It’s amazing hearing students get so excited about Donizetti’s music or learn what an amazing person Ethel Smyth was. They learn so much, so fast, and we have so much fun listening together.”
The top two scoring teams from two different schools from the regional contests advance to the championship competition held at Augsburg University in Minneapolis on Friday, . Because of this rule, the team who scored in 3rd place, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, will advance to the championships along with Decorah’s first place winners McGohan, Pritchard, and Korsness.
The mission of the Music Listening Contest is to assist teachers in their efforts to expand the music experiences of students—primarily through the use of Western art music, commonly referred to as classical music. The contest materials cover classical music, global perspectives, and a variety of musical influences. The objective of the contest is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in the musical experience.
The contest is an ideal opportunity to enrich students’ experiences with classical music in a fun and competitive environment. This statewide contest connects high school students with classical music and enhances their ability to identify composers, periods, and styles. In the fall, teachers or coaches recruit three students to form a team. Team members receive a study guide and access to all the musical selections they will need to compete effectively.
Haylee Stravers, Mady Lippe, Leslie Campbell, Libby Phillips, Gwenyth Thompson, Bethany Hanson, Jenna Hartz, Hope Stahl, Ella Grouws, Julia Schwarz, Kathryn Kelly, Jensen Korsness, Annaleissa Arnold, Elsa Christman, Mara Branum, Elsa Christman, Ramsey Zilka, Braunwyn Darrington, Evon Leitz, Danielle Rix, Max Wilson, Annalise Skrade, Ansel Kowitz, Ethan Stravers, Lily Sandhorst, Liz Pritchard, Grace Blikre, Jake Magner, Sylvia Sandhorst, and Alex McGohan.
Decorah Community School District Hosts Dream Week
In collaboration with representatives from Luther College and the Decorah Public Library, Decorah Community School District planned “Dream Week” activities to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Festivities began on Tuesday with guest readers from Luther College. Both students and staff joined each third and fourth grade classroom for the reading of books from the Decorah Public Library about Martin Luther King, Jr., other civil rights leaders, and additional books featuring strong, diverse characters.
On Wednesday the district hosted a community-wide hour of service. Preschool through 12th grade students and families helped to pack over 60 “birthday bags” for the food pantry (complete with cake mix, frosting, birthday candles, and balloons), made beautiful Valentines and decorations for local nursing homes, and enjoyed cookie decorating and books. Many members of the community brought donations for the food pantry, including the supplies needed to make additional birthday bags. Shanna Putnam Dibble, Co-Facilitator for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion remarked, “We would like to thank everyone who helped make our Dream Week festivities a success. We are excited for continued opportunities to learn and grow in the area of equity and diversity and to continue to serve our community.”
Luther College students excel at American Model United Nations Conference
The Luther College Model UN Team in Chicago
Four Luther College students were recently awarded Exceptional Representation awards at the annual American Model United Nations (AMUN) Conference. Each year, students from 95 schools across the country gather in Chicago for the conference which simulates the UN General Assembly. Each school team is assigned a country to represent and students act as ambassadors, debating topics such as climate action, global health, and security.
Due to increased participation, this year, the Luther College Model United Nations team was assigned two countries: Albania and Serbia. Luther’s 22 participating students were divided into committees and within those, Exceptional Representation awards were given to:
- Hannah Hoffmann ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Security Council
- Jackson Geadelmann ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Security Council
- Cassandra Norton ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Executive Board
- Verena Mueller-Baltes ’26, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Executive Board
The Security Council is the most competitive of the committees at the AMUN Conference and this was the first time in recent years Luther College had a seat at that table.
“Jack and I were partners last year on the Human Rights Committee and won Exceptional Representation for Venezuela, so it was great to keep our streak alive,” said Hoffmann. “Model UN is such a fun club to be a part of and it really teaches people how to compromise, communicate in tense situations and gain confidence as a public speaker. Receiving an award is just the cherry on top and it feels nice to be recognized for all the work Jack and I put into the conference.”
“I was shocked but honored that Hannah and I were awarded exceptional representation. Everyone on the Security Council came prepared on their position, and I think almost everyone deserved an award for their hard work during the conference,” said Gaedelmann. “Model UN is such a great experience to take what we learn in class and apply it at different conferences. It’s also a great opportunity to meet so many different people from around the world. Luther Model UN has helped me develop a better understanding of my course material, develop diplomacy and advocacy skills, and become better at collaborating with others to reach a consensus.”
The group is accepting new members. In 2023, the team will represent Malta. According to Orçun Selçuk, faculty advisor of Luther College Model UN, they always attempt to select a country relevant in some way to Luther. He says the team is excited to represent Malta this year because of the college’s long-standing Malta study-away program and because Luther alumna, Vanessa Frazier, serves as permanent representative of Malta to the United Nations.
“The Luther College Model UN team attracts students from various majors ranging from biology to economics,” said Selçuk. “Other schools often tell us that our team looks like the actual United Nations. We have domestic as well as international students who are actively involved. It’s a privilege for me to advise such a diverse and talented group of global citizens.”
Funding for Luther College Model UN comes from the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. Last year the group also received funding from The Center for Sustainable Communities and the Nordic Studies program.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Decorah Schools will have a 2-hour late start on Thursday, January 19, 2023. No AM preschool.
Decorah Schools will have a 2-hour late start on Thursday, . No AM preschool.
Decorah Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, January 19th, 2023. Be Safe.
Decorah Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, January 19th, 2023. Be Safe.
Luther College Nordic Choir to perform Tour Homecoming Concert in Decorah
January 16, 2023
Following their Spring 2023 Tour, the Luther College Nordic Choir will perform their Tour Homecoming Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, at Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther College campus.
The concert is the final performance in Nordic Choir’s 2023 Spring Tour which included stops in Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, Missouri and Minnesota.
Among the performers is Ruby Langholz of Decorah.
Luther College Nordic Choir directed by Andrew Last
Directed by Andrew Last, Nordic Choir is Luther’s principal touring choir in a choral program that comprises three upper-class mixed touring choirs and two first-year choirs. Nordic Choir honors the Lutheran choral tradition while exploring new and innovative choral works that span styles and genres. Performances have been described as “thrilling,” “breathtaking” and “rock-solid in intonation and rhythmic clarity.”
“This year’s tour program is exciting to say the least,” said Last. “We celebrate the many ways we express joy, we express emotions that often feel ‘other-worldly,’ we reconcile how we love through grief, and we bring to life a few of the stories in the Bible. From Heinrich Schütz and Sethus Calvisius to Susan LaBarr, Ken Burton and Eric Whitacre, this will be a feast for all choral music lovers.”
This concert is open to the public with no charge for admission. It will also be livestreamed on the Luther College Music Department’s YouTube channel.
“In 2022, the choir celebrated its 75th anniversary, we now embark on our next 75 years of making music at the highest level. The diversity of people and academic majors bring life and energy to an ensemble that shares a passion for singing,” said Last.
The Luther College Nordic Choir was founded by Sigvart Steen and memorably conducted for 57 years by Weston Noble ’43. Previous conductors include Craig Arnold and Allen Hightower. Since 2017 the choir has been under the direction of Andrew Last, associate professor of music and director of choral activities. He is a 1997 alumnus of Luther College, earned a master’s degree in choral conducting from Northern Arizona University and a doctor of musical arts in choral conducting from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln School of Music.
The choir tours annually, performing in churches of all denominations, schools and concert halls, including Lincoln Center in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Internationally, the ensemble has toured in Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, Scandinavia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Russia and Eastern Europe.
About Luther College Music
Luther is home to one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance. Learn more at luther.edu/music.