The Lasting Legacy of Concordia Nebraska's Music Programs

Concordia University, Nebraska's music program has a long-standing history of excellence, with music being an integral part of the university since its foundation in 1894. Music lessons have been offered to all students throughout its 125-year history. Over the years, the program has grown to include various ensembles, traditions, and notable alumni. 

The roots of Concordia's music program trace back to 1906 when Karl Haase, the first full-time music professor, was hired to teach a two-year music education program. Haase also organized the first school band. By 1913, the first vocal ensemble, a men’s chorus, was formed, followed by the creation of a sizable orchestra by 1914. As the program continued to develop, many other ensembles were established, including the Peptones (a student-led pep band), the Recorder Society, a brass choir, jazz ensemble, and the Collegium Musicum, which played older instruments. 

One of the university's most renowned ensembles is the internationally recognized A Cappella Choir. Founded in 1938 by Dr. Theodore Stelzer, the choir has been directed by four conductors: Dr. Stelzer, Dr. Paul Rosel, Edmund Martens, and currently, Dr. Kurt von Kampen. The A Cappella Choir has traveled to 42 states and 25 countries and is planning a trip to Ireland in the summer of 2026. 

Concordia’s music program has continued to expand its offerings, with current ensembles that include both vocal and instrumental groups. Touring remains a key tradition, with the A Cappella Choir, Wind Symphony, and Chamber Choir/Vocal Jazz regularly touring each year. In the past, other ensembles such as the band, Concordia Singers, and Celebrate Singers have also toured. 

Several notable alumni have emerged from Concordia's music program. Julia Marble, a 2013 graduate, owns music studios in Seward and Lincoln, Nebraska, offering lessons in nearly every instrument and voice. Professor Paul Soulek, a 2007 graduate, is the director of parish and school music at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Seward. He is also a published composer and arranger. 2016 graduate Andrea von Kampen is a successful singer-songwriter who has toured nationally and internationally, amassing millions of streams on her music and thousands of followers. Meredith Wohlgemuth, the 2023 Young Alumnus of the Year, graduated in 2018 and earned her master's degree in operatic performance at The Julliard School. She is now an ensemble member at Staatsoper Hannover, the opera house in Hannover, Germany, and has won several prestigious awards, including the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. 

The music program has also seen many alumni return to teach in the department over the years. Some of these alumni include Paul Rosel, Charles Krutz, Dr. Edmund Martens, Dr. Charles Ore, Dr. David Held, Peter Prochnow, Dr. Kurt von Kampen, and Professor Robert Cody. 

The music program at Concordia has been housed in several locations over the years. It began in Founders Hall before moving to Nebraska Hall in 1913, which was equipped with many practice rooms for piano and organ. In 1966, the Music Building was constructed, featuring a 200-seat recital hall, 13 organ rooms, 4 piano studios, classrooms, band and choir rooms, and many other amenities. In 2023, the Borland Center for Music and Theatre opened, incorporating the western half of the Music Building, and continuing Concordia’s dedication to providing exceptional facilities for music students. 

Concordia's music program is also known for its cherished traditions. One such tradition is the beloved Christmas at Concordia concert. While the modern format of the concert has evolved, Concordia’s music program has always held Christmas concerts. In the 1920s, the Concordia choirs would perform joint concerts with St. John Church choir. Touring has also been a long-standing tradition, with ensembles such as the A Cappella Choir, Wind Symphony, and Chamber Choir/Vocal Jazz regularly touring. 

The music program has made recent strides in supporting students, including offering a full-tuition scholarship to a high school senior planning to major in music and launching the Steinway Initiative to replace all pianos in the music building with Steinways. 

The legacy of Concordia’s music program reaches around the world and will continue to expand and impact people. The music program is constantly expanding and involving new interests, but it continues to prepare students to make music with excellence and give the glory to God.  

Concordia University, Nebraska’s music programs offer rigorous preparation to glorify God in your future vocations through the study and performance of music. Through applied lessons, participation in one of the outstanding ensembles or academic music pursuits, hundreds of students of any major can make great music and lifelong friendships at Concordia. Learn more about the music program here.