Junior Morgan Rohde celebrates her extended family’s love of choral music

Junior Morgan Rohde of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is studying elementary education with music concentration at Concordia University, Nebraska. She is also pursuing her Lutheran Teacher Diploma. She has been a member of the University A Cappella Choir for three years. 

Singing under the direction of Concordia Nebraska’s Dr. Kurt von Kampen is something of a family affair for Rohde’s family. 

“My mom was in Dr. von Kampen’s choir at Concordia College Ann Arbor from 1993 to 1997. She loved recording CDs in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, no matter how stressful it was!” said Morgan. “Dr. von Kampen’s first year as the choir director was also my mom's freshman year.

My mom's sister, Molly (Rohde) Helmreich CO '07 GR '15, was in Concordia Nebraska’s A Cappella Choir in the early 2000s. She helped with organization and assisted the secretary, and she even got to travel to Germany a week before the rest of the choir traveled there for tour, to get things ready. More recently, my cousin Hannah Cmeyla ’23 was in the A Cappella and Chamber Choirs for all four years. Even more recently, my cousins Calvin ‘24 and Grant Rohde have been in the choirs. Calvin is now an adjunct piano professor at Concordia Nebraska, and Grant is currently in his last semester at Concordia and in A Cappella.”  

She said all of the family ties make her time the university’s music department and under von Kampen’s direction even more special. 

“It is a special thing to feel so connected to a group of people, not just because several of my family members have experienced it, but because so many families care about this choir so much that they keep coming back. It makes this experience mean a lot more, beyond the music,” she explained. “I love the opportunity to explore God's word through the music we sing as a built-in part of my day. God speaks through the words of these songs, and even when there are no words, it is obvious that He is present through the music.” 

Rohde currently serves as the worship organizer for PRAISE!, an on-campus, contemporary worship style, student-led devotional time that offers a chance for students to pause, connect with God and be encouraged by a Christ-centered community. 

“Concordia is a place where people are built up in the faith. Participating in music, as well as other groups and activities here, is always about more than the music itself. It is about building faith in Jesus. The professors and students here value one another beyond success in the classroom or choir room,” she said. “I chose to study at Concordia because I knew the program for education was high quality, especially for Lutheran teachers. I also wanted to be in these choirs because of the strong community sense I felt from it, even before being a student here.” 

 “It is a special thing to feel so connected to a group of people, not just because several of my family members have experienced it, but because so many families care about this choir so much that they keep coming back. It makes this experience mean a lot more, beyond the music.”

She said her professors have been very supportive and influential. 

“My professors encourage me to work hard and keep myself accountable. My purpose as I am learning is to love others as Jesus first loved me. This translates to, in a school setting, trying my best in my education and responsibilities and being a good steward of the things God has blessed me with. The professors here feel the same way and are constantly reminding us of the blessings we have and the gifts we have been given as students and young Christians,” she said. “In the education department, I feel that I am learning from professors who have a true passion for teaching. They aren't simply knowledgeable or even just experts in their fields, although they are, but they are also passionate about it. They desire to serve those they teach and those they work with. This translates through to the material I am learning in a way that inspires me to be a better teacher in the future and a dedicated student now.”  

She said her time at the university has also strengthened her faith in Jesus Christ, and she treasures the many worship opportunities available on campus. 

“The worship opportunities at Concordia are some of the biggest blessings in my life. There is something for everyone, and the university does a great job of making sure nothing is scheduled during worship times so that everyone can take time to praise God together! I have also been blessed with the privilege to lead one of the worship ministries on campus: PRAISE! This has been one of my favorite things about Concordia. It is a wonderful, student-led ministry where students from all different groups on campus come together to praise their Lord, whether by attending or serving in a leadership role or playing in a band.”  

When she’s not in class, you’ll find Morgan playing guitar, piano, ukulele or bass guitar, singing, trying new instruments and leading worship when she can. She also enjoys spending quality time with friends watching the tv sitcom Friends or the newest rom com. She also enjoys camping, painting, reading, listening to country music, Christian music and planning her dream worship set. 

Following graduation, Morgan dreams of serving as a called Lutheran teacher. She also hopes to serve musically in the church somehow, as well. She said her classes and musical experiences at the university are preparing her for the path ahead. 

“My favorite thing about Concordia is how at home I feel here. I live about 10 hours away, so I don't go home very often. When I do go home, I find myself wanting to be here! I also met my fiancé here, so that helps too! Concordia's community is thriving and welcoming, and the faith life here keeps me well supported as I go through various changes and trials in life. I love the opportunity to worship every day in different ways, whether it's with going to church, evening prayer, campfire devotions, PRAISE! or chapel,” she said. “Instead of a competitive and judgmental environment, as music programs often can be, grace is freely given and received by each member of the music faculty and each student. Above all else, it's always about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. If our music accomplishes nothing else, at least we said the name of Jesus.” 

Founded in 1938, the Concordia University, Nebraska A Cappella Choir performs both sacred and secular choral music throughout the United States and internationally. The choir’s members are selected by audition at the start of each fall semester. One of America’s oldest touring Lutheran college choirs, the University A Cappella Choir has performed concerts and joined congregations in worship throughout the United States (including Hawaii) and internationally in Greece, Italy, France, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, Austria, Spain, Mexico, South Africa and Australia.  

Dr. Kurt E. von Kampen is the fourth conductor in the 87-year history of the University A Cappella Choir and also serves as chair of the university’s music department. Before coming to Concordia Nebraska in 1998, he served as head of the choral program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and as director of music at Lutheran High School in Westland and Northwest in the Detroit area. A number of current A Cappella choristers are children of choristers that von Kampen directed at Concordia Nebraska or during his previous posts throughout his career.