Music has always been a very important part of my life. I began taking organ lessons at age 4 and played for my first church service at Garden City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at age 7. My dad built special pedal extensions so that I could reach the organ pedals! At age 10, I was hired to provide organ music while people dined at the Cat 'n' Fiddle Supper Club near New Ulm -- a few years later, I was "promoted" to waitress.
Two months after graduating from Lake Crystal High School, my alto saxophone and I toured 7 European countries with the U.S. Collegiate Wind Band. That fall, I began my seemingly endless college career at MSU, earning B.S. (music), A.S. (secretarial), and Master of Music (organ performance) degrees. During this time, I was the accompanist for the MSU Concert Choir, and we were invited to perform at Bethlehem. I remember falling in love with the big, beautiful sanctuary and wanted to get my fingers on the pipe organ! I was delighted to learn in 1990 that Bethlehem was looking for an assistant organist. I auditioned and was offered the job – but before deciding to take it, I attended a worship service to get a “feel” for the place. The warm welcome from strangers and the four pastors, plus hearing the uplifting music, made my decision easy!
In 2007, after 16 years of being a medical transcriptionist, I decided it was time for a career change. An office assistant position at Bethlehem became available in May, 2007, and I was hired – I love the variety of tasks and visiting with people!
Career highlights include having my "Variations on The Ash Grove" for organ published by MorningStar Music in 1995; playing one of Liberace's 9-foot Baldwin concert grand pianos (covered with 200 pounds of rhinestones!) in 2002; and receiving the 2018 Award of Harmony from the Mankato Riverblenders, which was presented to me during a service at Bethlehem. I am the current secretary for the Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Since February of 1984, I've been the rehearsal/performance pianist for over 130 musicals at MSU-Mankato.
I enjoy working in my large yard (I’m living in the house my dad built), watching old movies and British comedies, and spending time with my smarter-than-average cats. I hope to continue my service to Bethlehem for many more years, making a joyful noise to the Lord and praising Him with music!