Grand Marshals

Four area retired music teachers named grand marshals of 39th Vikingland Band Festival

By Celeste Edenloff Alexandria Echo Press

ALEXANDRIA — Four area retired music teachers will serve as the grand marshals for this year’s Vikingland Band Festival.

Carolyn Aarsvod, Joelle Burreson, Steve Deitz and Jane Herth will share the honor at this year’s 39th event, which will take place Sunday, June 25. These four were chosen because of their positive impact on students as music educators in the Alexandria Public Schools, according to Greg DeGier, Vikingland Band Festival committee chairperson.

“These educators are respected and admired music educators,” DeGier said. “We strive to recognize people who have made contributions to music, youth or the community, and these retired educators have impacted all three areas.”

Learn a little more about each one through the following Q and A’s:

Carolyn Aarsvold

Aarsvold spent 34 years teaching in several area school districts, as well as at a private music studio. She is an accomplished performer on the flute/ piccolo, violin/viola and piano, having performed with the local Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, Heartland Symphony and various ensembles in the Fergus Falls and Alexandria areas.

Q: When did your love of music begin?

A: I grew up in Fergus Falls, and started piano lessons when I was 8 years old. By the time I was 12, I also played violin and flute and loved sharing music with my friends. The school music program was exceptional, and one of my favorite experiences was marching in the FFHS Marching Band, where I had the honor of being the Drum Majorette.

Q: What is your favorite instrument to play and why?

A: My favorite instrument has been the flute/piccolo, but I’ve played flute, piccolo, violin and viola in many symphony orchestras, operas, musicals and chamber ensembles.

Q: What made you want to become a music teacher?

A: I set my career choice by the time I was in high school. I learned so many life skills through music, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of continuing the important mission of music in schools.

Q: What are a few highlights of your music teaching career?

A: I have taught in seven different school districts in Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana. The privilege of getting to know so many exceptional students and families has been the highlight of my career. And when I think back on teaching elementary music to 10 classes a day, and experiencing the non-stop energy of the kids as they sang, laughed, played instruments, danced, created and hugged me as they went on their way, I know I was blessed.

Q: What does it mean to you to be one of this year’s grand marshals?

A: I’m honored to be chosen along with my colleagues. The District 206 music program has a legacy of excellence, and I’m proud to have been a part of it. The Vikingland Band Festival is an amazing event, and I would like to thank the many volunteers and band directors who continue to put in so many hours of their time for the students.

JOELLE

Burreson

Burreson taught vocal and instrumental music for 37 years, with the majority of those years in Alexandria. As a member of the music department, she worked with the marching band as a color guard instructor from 1985-1992. Some of her highlights include trips to the Cotton Bowl Parade, Tournament of

Roses Parade and National Independence Day Parade. She is principal oboe in the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra and has been serving on the board in various capacities for the past 14 years.

Q: When did your love of music begin?

A: I grew up in a home where music was at the center of every day. My parents are both music educators and from a very early age my brothers and I were surrounded by quality musical experiences.

Q: What is your favorite instrument to play and why?

A: Playing in band and orchestra throughout my career has provided such a wide variety of experiences. I started piano at a very young age and have played oboe since 5th grade. I’ll never forget how excited I was to come home from the music store with my first “clarinet with the funny reed”.

Q: What made you want to become a music teacher?

A: I come from a long line of educators so I guess it was “the family business.” I started teaching swimming lessons at age 14 and just always knew that I would be a teacher.

Q: What are a few highlights of your music teaching career?

A: I have had countless opportunities over the course of my 37 years teaching to see music make an impact in the lives of so many children. The kindergarten student who asked, “why are my eyes wet?” after we listened to a beautiful piece of classical music to the student who heard a new piece for the first time asking excitedly if we could “do it again.” Those were the moments that made all the hard work of teaching worth every minute.

Q: What does it mean to you to be one of this year’s grand marshals?

A: I am so honored to be a part of this wonderful tradition of musical excellence in Alexandria. I was involved with the marching band as a color guard instructor for seven years back when the parade was just getting started. Seeing the sheer number of people who have been a part of this experience through the years, from instructors, musicians, parents, and the community members involved has made me very grateful to be a part of a community that values and supports music and the arts.

Steve Deitz

Deitz was the vocal music director at the high school in Alexandria for 35 years. He was recognized by the American Choral Directors Associate as the Outstanding Young Choir Director of Minnesota. He served as a musical director for many community and high school productions and co-founded the Rising Stars performance experience for Alexandria Community Education.

Q: When did your love of music begin?

A: It seems that I have always been drawn to music and the visual arts. I went to college for art, and switched to Music Education after my freshman year.

Q: What is your favorite instrument to play and why?

A: Guitar. I took to it quite easily, and being a guitar player has served me well.

Q: What made you want to become a music teacher?

A: My high school choir director was an exceptional role model for me, and I’ve spent my career trying to emulate his example.

Q: What are a few highlights of your music teaching career?

A: So many. There have been awards and recognition spanning the years. Performing several times at Orchestra Hall, state ACDA Conventions, and college choir festivals are all highlights. The day-to-day music making with my students made for a wonderful, fulfilling career.

Q: What does it mean to you to be one of this year’s grand marshals?

A: I was working in Alexandria when the Vikingland Band Festival started. I have known all of the grand marshals since the inception. I am honored to be recognized in their company, and alongside my friends, and former colleagues: Jane, Carolyn and Joelle!

Jane Herth

In Herth’s 41-year teaching career, she taught junior high vocal music, directed the Jefferson Carolers and taught music at Lincoln and Voyager elementary schools. She also taught at St. Mary’s School. Herth has served on the board and is past president of the Alexandria Area Arts Association. A singer and a pianist, she has also served as a soloist, director and accompanist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Q: When did your love of music begin?

A: My grandparents had a piano and I remember picking out melodies by ear. That led to piano lessons and then to singing and the rest is history.

Q: What is your favorite instrument to play and why?

A: I love to sing; it’s a part of me that I can share with others or keep just for myself. It’s always with me and uniquely mine. I think back to my serious singing days and I remember the incredible feeling when good breath support, and proper placement aligned within me to make a beautiful sound. Pretty awesome.

Q: What made you want to become a music teacher?

A: I love music and I love people. To be able to share music making with others has given me a joyful career. No day was ever the same, and I loved it.

Q: What are a few highlights of your music teaching career?

A: One unforgettable moment was when a wide-eyed elementary student told me she had goosebumps and she wasn’t even cold. That memory is hard to beat. I will also remember my days with the Voyager Children’s Choir and directing over 200 students at St. Mary’s School in their Christmas programs. The pure sound of children’s voices is so special.

Q: What does it mean to you to be one of this year’s grand marshals?

A: It is truly an honor to be a part of Alexandria’s rich musical heritage. Our community places value on the arts, and we have quality music, theater and fine arts organizations because of it. I am honored to be a part of its tradition and will continue to do what I can to keep it alive and growing.