SCHOOL
APRIL 18, 2026 | 3:30 P.M. GRIFFIN
2026 MSOE CONCERT
APRIL 18, 2026 | 3:30 P.M. | GRIFFIN CONCERT HALL
Middle School Outreach Ensembles Presents
CHOIR
Come Travel With Me, by Scott Farthing
Conductor: Audrey Farrar
Sanctus, by Greg Gilpin
Conductor: Anna Dunn
Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burnin’, arr. by Greg Gilpin
Conductor: Michael Millan
900 Miles, arr. by Philip E. Silvey
Conductor: Dr. Seth Pendergast
Green Grow the Laurels, arr. by Jason Meyer
Conductor: Freya Underwood
Instrumentalists: Cameron Becker and Nathan Newman
ORCHESTRA
Flight of the Hawk, by Braden Lueck
Conductor: Chandler Klotz
A Quiet Peace, by Richard Meyer
Conductor: Caelen Herk
Pine Mountain, by Katie O’Hara LaBrie
Conductor: Chandler Klotz
BAND
Silverbrook, by Michael Sweeney
Conductor: Cameron Becker
The Feast, by Alex Rumley
Conductor: Ezekiel Graf
Soloists: Eli Glor and Mariia Tartakovska
As Twilight Falls, by Robert Sheldon
Conductor: Olivia Zenzinger
Above Cloud Nine, by Laura Estes
Conductor: Ethan Barker
CSU MIDDLE SCHOOL OUTREACH ENSEMBLES PROGRAM OVERVIEW
MSOE is a community-based music outreach program that embodies the core values of comprehensive music education, excellence in pre-service teacher training, recruiting highquality music teachers, and enriched musical experiences for local middle school musicians. Founded in 2013, over 3000 middle school band and orchestra students have participated in the MSOE program, receiving instruction from high school students, college students, CSU faculty, practicing teachers and retired sages. Middle school students within 50 miles of CSU who are enrolled in their school music program are invited to participate. With the aim of cultivating an artistic disposition for all students regardless of socio-economic status, students gather for weekly rehearsals at the University Center for the Arts. Over a period of 11 weeks, local middle school students develop musical artistry through small and large group instruction culminating in a concert in Griffin Concert Hall led by CSU music education majors for parents, friends, and community members.
MSOE is also a wonderful opportunity for both high school and middle school students interested in teaching music to gain hands-on experience at teaching. With the MSOE Tryingon Teaching program, high school music students interested in pursuing a career in music education are given the opportunity to lead instruction with MSOE students and are assigned a college mentor who assists them along the way.
PURPOSE – MSOE AND TRYING-ON-TEACHING PROGRAM AT CSU
1. To foster excellence in community-engaged learning through music education for middle school, high school, pre-service, in-service, and retired individuals in the Northern Colorado music community.
2. To provide a safe and supported space for pre-service teachers to practice applying a variety of music teaching methods.
3. To identify and provide outstanding career opportunities for high school students interested in music education.
4. To provide a vehicle for organizing community outreach to local public school music students regardless of their socio-economic status.
5. To develop a global citizen mindset through music education.
MIDDLE SCHOOL OUTREACH ENSEMBLE COMPOSITION COMPETITION
This MSOE season saw a continuance of the MSOE Composition Competition, in which Colorado middle and high school students, CSU students, CSU music alumni, and MSOE/ Trying-on-Teaching alumni had the opportunity to compose a piece to be performed at the 2026 MSOE concert. The 2026 winner is Braden Lueck, a middle school student at Timnath Middle-High School.
His composition is entitled Flight of the Hawk, and it is a very moving, inspiring composition that takes inspiration from many other pieces and composers. I made sure that my piece falls into the level 2 category listed on the guidelines paper, and it is about 2:58 long. (phew!) I worked on having a sort of equality between all instruments , with all of the parts having the melody here and there, and I strongly agree that low instruments are very important in a string orchestra, and in my piece, the Bass and Cello are strongly encouraged to play out in their melodies. I think the different chords and switching harmonies in this piece make for a very original and powerful message through the music. It has long been my dream to create famous pieces that would be heavily enjoyed in a school setting, and it has been my dream as well as to create positivity when playing this piece. I am a student who has been in many extracurricular orchestra activities, where I have been exposed to many great pieces and composers such as Richard Meyer, Brian Balmages and Soon Hee Newbold, which this piece takes heavy inspiration from. I have learned the values of a good orchestra and a good song to be played in that orchestra, and through my inspirations, I believe this is my first step to making greater projects.
As the winner of this competition, Braden also received three composition lessons with CSU composition professor and internationally-recognized composer, Dr. James David. Braden visited two full orchestra rehearsals and had the opportunity to discuss his piece and meet the students. The Middle School students enjoyed working on Braden’s piece, and we are thrilled to be providing Braden with the opportunity to have one of his pieces performed while he is a middle school student.
Aleenah Chacon
Linea Bitler
Althea Brennan
CHOIR ENSEMBLE MEMBERS
Annika Boschmann
Emily Belace
Emily Kemp
Evelyn Jewel
Kate Kramer
Kynzi Madigan
Leslie Donaldson
Liberty Rich
Marlow McGirr
Maycie Snowdon
Natalie Leslie
Grace Kelley Nyx Cairns
Haddie Bowers
Hazel Sellers
Janelle Breakfield
Jazz Mooney
Josephine Vollmer
Kailee Hall
Olly Scahuer
ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE MEMBERS
Bodhi Jessen
Breccan Leffey
Bridger Adams
Danielle Apawu
Ellie D’Antonio
Lily Fishel
Lola Smith
Lucille Lee
Natalie Busse
Nora Kiel
Emma Sprain Olive Coffren
Eva Garcia
Everly McCollum
Orley Reilmann
Pasquale Del Vecchio
Iris Sanders River Pence
Janae Medina
Josephine Perish
Justin Carlson
Smith Pizer
Thomas Huang
Zach Eash
Acacia Beard
BAND ENSEMBLE MEMBERS
Aida Mitchell-Lawrence
Finn Miller
Geronimo Benítez-Carrier
Adilynn Spiegel Hannah Greville
Alex McRae
Halsey Burton
Annie Kirkpatrick Hunter Atkins
Ashely Rhodes Jack Rickard
Avani Garcia Jaxson Swick
Avery Ritter Jack Cragg
Baer Brundage Jonah Kimble
Ben Freeman Jude Augenstein
Bently Wolfe Jude Dowhaniuk
Brielle Morrow Kadin Loos
Brooke Duffy Kate Bickley
Brooklyn Engel Koen Potter
Bryant Boston Liam Tourney
Callan Bass Lillith Del Vecchio
Cassidy Goble Linnea Bitler
CayLee Wilkins
Charlotte Kirkpatrick
Lionel Mau
Maggie Wright
Clark Cronk Margarita Lynn
Colton Susa Mariia Tartakovska
Cortland Gross
Marlina Willett
Elena Ricard Nora Young
Eli Glor Norah Gaston
Elijah Duchardt Patton Andrews
Elise Schwartz Phoenix Torrez
Elliot Martin Poppy Schermann
Elizabeth Ahlm
Quinn Seeboth
Emma Sabia Riley Garrett
Emma Simpson Robbie Halter
Ethne Doolittle
Ruth Milburn
Tristan Lesco
Tyrus Menard
Viktor Duchaine
Yarely Flores
MIDDLE SCHOOL OUTREACH ENSEMBLES 2026 STAFF
Program Co-Director: Dr. Erik Johnson
Program Co-Director: Dr. Christina Herman
Associate Program Director: Michael Millan
Senior Administration Team: Dr. Seth Pendergast, Professor Jessica Warner, Chandler Klotz
Undergraduate Program Directors: Freya Underwood, Cameron Becker, Ezekiel Graf
Feedback System:
Coordinator: Alexis Highland
Orchestra: Alex Strobel
Choir: Olivia Berg
Band: Emma Edwards
High School Trying-on-Teaching Mentors:
Trying-on-Teaching Coordinator: Kathryn Carlos
Orchestra ToT Mentors:
Kathryn Carlos
Ray Barrera
Cora Larson
Alex Strobel
Band ToT Mentors:
Elise Renner
Emma Edwards
Alexis Highland
Olivia Zenzinger
Lucy Bufton
Hunter Wells
Juno Okins
CONDUCTORS
CHOIR:
Audrey Farrar is a third-year music education major with a primary focus in voice, studying under Nicole Asel. She has been involved with MSOE for three years and currently serves as a choir conductor. Prior to this role, she has been a choir and clarinet section coach. At CSU, Audrey has participated in Concert Choir and performed in spring opera productions including Hansel and Gretel and The Pirates of Penzance.
Anna Dunn is a third-year Music Education student at Colorado State University, and is very excited to be serving as a choral conductor as part of the 2026 MSOE Program! The bulk of her work has been in the middle school realm, through conducting and voice. Anna is honored to exercise her passions for choir in this role, and is thankful for the opportunity she gets in front of students
Michael Millan is the Associate Program Director of MSOE and a Graduate Teaching Assistant studying under Dr. Erik Johnson, Dr. Seth Pendergast, and Professor John Lindsey. He also sings in the CSU Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. James Kim and holds a BM in Jazz Piano Performance from the University of Northern Colorado. Michael has enjoyed this season of MSOE and watching the growth of both the middle school students and the MSOE Staff.
Freya Underwood is a third-year Music Education student at CSU. Now in her second year at MSOE, she serves as an Undergraduate Program Director, Choir Coordinator, and Choral Conductor. Conducting today fulfills her lifelong dream. She extends gratitude to her students and loved ones in attendance.
ORCHESTRA:
Chandler Klotz is a passionate music educator from Columbia, South Carolina. She was a middle school orchestra director for three years after completing her undergraduate studies from Furman University in Greenville, SC. She is currently a graduate teaching assistant at Colorado State University, where she is working toward her Master of Music Education.
Caelen Herk is in his third semester of MSOE and second year of conducting. This is Caelan’s first year being in the MSOE Orchestra. Caelan is determined to master all areas of music teaching, and conducting the orchestra has brought unique learning experiences for both he and the ensemble. Working with the students of the MSOE orchestra has made this year his most fun and most progressive yet.
BAND:
Cameron Becker is a Third-Year Music Education Student here at Colorado State University. Cam strongly believes and accommodates the warmth of opportunities of music education! Born in Texas, raised in percussion, with specializations in concert, marching, chamber, and world music ensembles. Mr. Becker studies under Dr. Eric Hollenbeck and Dr. Rebbeca Phillips as he performs and analyzes music and digs deep into it.
Ezekiel Graf is a Third-Year Student at Colorado State University, studying Music Education. This is his first year as a conductor for the MSOE Band, though has had conducting experience in the past with the CSU Marching Band and other ensembles. Zeke is a bassoonist, and overall woodwind enthusiast with appreciation for all forms of music. Zeke performs with the CSU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Woodwind Chamber Ensembles. Zeke studies with Dr. Cayla Bellamy-Lanz, Dr. Rebbeca Phillips, Dr. Jayme Taylor, Dr. Christina Herman, and Dr. Erik Johnson here at CSU.
Olivia Zenzinger is a Third-Year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. This is her first year as a band conductor and her second year with the MSOE. Outside of MSOE, she performs on oboe and English horn with the Colorado State University Wind Symphony and University Symphony Orchestra.
Ethan Barker is a Third-Year Music Education Student here at Colorado State University. Ethan is studying under Dr. Erik Johnson, Dr. Christina Herman, Dr. Jayme Taylor, and Dr. Drew Leslie here at CSU. Ethan has learned from the best and brings the same musical and pedagogical mastery to the classroom. He strives for inclusion, while also being fun, bringing all of his students through music.
Choir Teaching Artists
Olivia Berg
Michael Reeder
Willem Schutte
Malia Muller
Andrew Ressetar
Orchestra Teaching Artists
Violin: Kathryn Carlos and Lamarana Baldé
Viola: Lamarana Baldé and Ray Barrera
Cello: Cora Larson, Alex Strobel, Caelen Herk
Bass: Zuzu David and Nick Hailey
Orchestra High School Trying-on-Teaching Artists
Ian Rose
Jean Loma
Josie Gabel
Kacy Larson
Rayya Saleeby
Sienna Vogel
Xander Johnson
Band Teaching Artists
Flute: Emma Edwards, Elise Renner, Nadine Bliss
Oboe/Bassoon: Amber Mills
Clarinet: Alexis Highland and Evelyn Swank
Saxophone: Connor McDonald and William Schuh
Trumpet: Jack Burton, Lucy Bufton, and Maya Ibbottson
Horn: Elliot Miles and Ben Redding
Trombone: Hunter Wells
Euphonium: Olivia Hoo and Isaac Schell
Tuba: Grace Spencer and Trevor Woodcock
Percussion: Cameron Becker and Juno Okins
Band High School Trying-on-Teaching Artists
August Warner
Avan Leffler-Herzberger
Collin Carson
Emery O’Brien
Hayden Mosley
Liam McArthur
Melinda Fullenkamp
Mikkie Palmer
Rachel McReynolds
Tia Patricelli
Toby Cain
Guest Master Teachers:
Kathy Van Wert, Bill Reed Middle School
Dai-Phuong Nguyen, Boltz Middle School
Mark Thompson, Thompson Valley High School
Jake Elam, Riverview PK-8
Josh Griner, Preston Middle School
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Turner Middle School: Paul Farus
BHMS: Nicole Hallenbeck
Bill Reed: Kathy Vanwert
Blevins: Mark Kubichek, Brian Floyd, Carson Sachtleben
Cache la Poudre: Nichole Markle
Eaton: Cynnamon Prichart
High Plains: Shawna Lemons
Kinard: Leanne Griffey, Mike Perez, Scott Wheeler
Lesher: Leah Dunphey, Loni Obluda, Monica Pendergast
Liberty Common: Mark Dollar
Lincoln: Dana Kettlewell
Loveland Classical: Kelly Kleistikow
Lucille Erwin: Rob Borger
McAuliffe: Miguel Araiza
Mead: Stacie Glowka, Megan Rubin
Mountain Sage: Myles Roberts
New Vision Charter: Lauren Steege
Preston: Julia Mendez
Riverview: Jake Elam
Severance: Brittany Sawyer, Rachel Adams
St. John the Evangelist: Andrew Vogt
St. Joseph: Andrew Vogt
Timnath Middle School: Andrew Mendizabal, Corry Petersen
Turner Middle School: Paul Farus
Walt Clark: Claire Lute, Matt Lowe
Webber: Bethany Hampson, Jana Webster-Wheeler
Wellington: Nicole Hallenbeck, William Cleary
West Ridge Academy: Paul Beyer
Westview: Cassie Porter
Windsor Charter: Alex Koster
THANK YOU
All the participating students, families, and participating schools who help make MSOE possible!
Dr. Dan Goble and the CSU Music Faculty
Valerie Reed, and the UCA Events Staff
CSU Music Therapy Faculty
CSU Youth Programs in Arts Education (YPAE) Fund Founder Jim Vidakovich
CSU Alicar Art Museum and BRAINY Faculty and Theresa McLaren
CLA Development Team
Lillian Nugent, Heather Bellotti, Jennifer Clary, Mike Solo, Chloie Piveral and the rest of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance staff Dr. James David
…and you!
Thank you for attending our concert to celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of our students!
