Q&A: Rhonda Chambers, Fort Dodge Regional Airport

artistspot MaryAnn McSweeny-Buhr Age: Youth is ageless. Hometown: Born and raised in Maynard, Iowa.

Have lived in Fort Dodge since 1990. Instruments: Voice & Piano.

If you had a chance to meet any performer/musician, alive or dead, whom would you choose?

I would love to meet Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Frideric Handel and Antonio Vivaldi. Their music speaks to me in so many ways. As a soprano, I have sung many of their arias and art songs.

Tell us about your musical background/education.

MaryAnn McSweeny-Buhr is owner of McSweeny’s School of the Performing Arts where she teaches voice lessons, and is music director of the Fort Dodge Area Children’s Chorus. She has over ten years of public school experience and twenty-nine years of private school experience. She is a graduate of Mankato State University and Loras College, and holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s in educational leadership and administration. Buhr has pursued additional graduate work at the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Wisconsin, Moorhead State University and Marycrest College. Mrs. Buhr has taught vocal music at the elementary, junior high and high school levels as well as applied voice at the college level. Mrs. Buhr considers herself to be a lifelong learner and has been a voice student of Michael Ricciardone, New York City, former Associate Coordinator of Vocal Studies at New York University Steinhardt School of Education, and Dr. Jonathan Retzlaff, Associate Professor of Voice at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, New York. She served a two-year term as President of the Lewis & Clark National Association of Teachers of Singing Chapter (2016-2018). In 2013, MaryAnn assumed the responsibility as coordinator of the Youth Honors Recital co-sponsored by the Fort Dodge Area Symphony and McSweeny’s School of the Performing Arts. McSweeny’s School of the Performing Arts was the host of this yearly event from 2013-2020. Her students are frequent semifinalists and finalists in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competitions, continue to be consistent recipients of college vocal music scholarships and are frequently cast as musical leads in area school and community musical theatre productions. Younger vocalists and instrumentalists are encouraged to pursue musical excellence through participation in area Bill Riley State Fair Talent Search Shows during the summer with vocalists consistently qualifying to perform at the Iowa State Fair with a Grand Champion Sprout awarded in 2018. Former voice students are currently pursuing music at the college level, teaching music at the elementary, junior high, high school and college levels, pursuing vocal performance careers and teaching voice privately.

Who has had the greatest influence on you musically?

PARENTS. I have been involved in the arts since I was three and have been teaching since I was seventeen years old, so I know firsthand the impact the arts have in a life. I grew up on a dairy farm in Northeast Iowa near Maynard, Iowa and my parents sacrificed so that I could study dance beginning at the age of three and piano lessons at a very early age. The arts were valued, encouraged and important in my family. TEACHERS. My favorite teachers were those who inspired me to use my imagination and creativity, encouraged me to use my heart and to think outside of the box. Mrs. Helen Mills was my fourth grade teacher. For one writing assignment, she allowed our class to choose a picture and write a story about it. I chose a mermaid. I loved being in Mrs. Mill’s class since she brought out the creative, inquisitive, and dreamer in me. Mr. Daryl Libke was my high school English teacher, and speech and drama director. Believe it or not, I was very shy and somewhat of an introvert throughout my formative years. Mr. Libke saw something special in me and encouraged me to participate in speech during my junior and senior years of high school and also encouraged me to try out for the musical “Hello Dolly” my senior year. I really didn’t want to try out for the musical, but after much encouragement, I tried out and was cast as Irene Malloy, a leading role. I also used my dance skills, as assistant choreographer. My senior year, Mr. Libke created a new class in modern poetry. During this class, I found one of my passions, poetry. We read, interpreted, analyzed and even wrote poetry. I will be forever grateful for all that he taught me and know that my love of poetry has guided my love of texts in my music career. Mrs. Dora Miehe, my piano teacher from 5th-12th grade was an amazing woman. She had a beautiful baby grand piano in her home. I remember our lessons were filled with the fundamentals of music theory, Hannon Exercises, Bach Inventions, lesson books and of course, lots of laughter. When Mrs. Miehe found out I loved to sing, she even allowed me to play and sing during my piano lessons. She was a delightful woman who allowed me to grow naturally, instilled a love of music in me, and even allowed me to teach her a little bit about rock music. Dr. Jonathan Retzlaff, my voice teacher as an adult, taught me so much about musicianship, artistry, vocal pedagogy, following my heart, and taking risks. I’m sure I went into the field of education because of the impact teachers made in my life. “If just one person believes in you.” So often, that is all it takes. I was fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing people who impacted my life as teachers. My life has truly been blessed by great teachers and for this I will be forever grateful.

What are some of your musical accomplishments?

Teachers had a profound impact on my life, so I continue to dedicate my life to teaching, inspiring and supporting the next generation of musicians and artists. It is truly a privilege to have former students enroll their own children in the children’s chorus and return to study voice as adults. This is a testament to the value of the arts and the impact the arts have and continue to have in one’s life.

What is the most unusual thing to have happened to you, or to a student during a performance?

I remember a number of years ago, accompanying a quintet during an area Bill Riley Talent Show. When we arrived, I checked out the piano and realized the piano was an older piano that had seen it’s better days. As I began accompanying, the ivories started flying off every direction while this young male quintet was singing. All I could do was stay focused! I also remember a Bill Riley Talent Show at the Fort Museum Opera House when there was a tornado warning and everyone had to evacuate to the bathroom areas.

Would you describe the mission of the McSweeny’s School of the Performing Arts?

McSweeny’s School of the Performing Arts mission is to nurture the next generation of artists, musicians, and performers through our example, teaching, mentoring and guidance and enhance the quality of life to all involved in these artistic endeavors. The arts are a lifeline to many, and we have a moral obligation and responsibility to bringing out the performing musician in students of all ages. Every person, deserves an opportunity to pursue the arts. I’ve included a quote from one of my voice students. “Music is what anchors me in the present. It is how I give back, and honor myself and the gifts I have been given to share.”

What has been the hardest lesson to learn when it comes to music

and running a performing arts school? We are celebrating our 27th year in business, so there have been many successes and challenges over the years. When we opened McSweeny’s School of the Performing Arts, we opened it so our children and the children in this community and the surrounding area were taught to be active participants in music and life. Our children were very young during that time, so It was a challenge navigating business and family life, but to have our children involved in music making at the studio, made it so much easier. They also made many friends and learned the value of a strong work ethic by helping out in so many ways at both the studio and home. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by the best people, family and friends. Our teachers, my husband, (Michael) and area pianist and best friend, (Michelle HavlikJergens), and extended family, support the studio in so many ways and for this I am immensely grateful. The key to success in any endeavor is to be surrounded by great people, family and friends and to never forget your roots.

What do you most enjoy about the art and culture scene in Fort Dodge?

I love attending local and area concerts and musicals and watching my students and their friends perform. There is so much time and energy that goes into each recital, concert, musical or performance so it is essential to support live music and theatre. The arts are truly the lifeblood of any community.

shiningstar

Zach Midtling

Age: 17 • Grade/School: 11 - St. Edmond Catholic School • Hometown: Fort Dodge

What do you want to do after high school?

I would like to major in Music education (preferably choir).

Who are some of your role models and why?

Ryan Swedean helps me become a better performer and Jacque Batz inspires me through tough and stressful times, whether it be in music or real life, that it will all be fine.

What other activities do you participate in at St. Ed’s?

I participate in The Student Ambassador program, Musical, Jazz Band, Show Choir, Chamber Choir, All-State Music, UNI Festival of Bands, Individual Speech, Large Group Speech, Solo/Small ensemble, Quiz Bowl, Honor Society.

Walk us through a typical day in the life of Zach Midtling.

I wake up at 6 each morning to go to either Jazz Band or Show Choir, depending on the day. I then go through a normal school day. After school, I go home and relax or do homework depending on what I have. I usually have an evening practice of some kind or I help at some other school events. Then, I sleep and do it all over again.

Tell us about some of the cultural experiences you have had growing up in Fort Dodge.

I always love seeing shows being put on by Comedia or Stage Door Productions etc. because they have a little bit of the whole town there and they have this stage chemistry even though some people don’t even know the person next to them.

What is your earliest memory performing?

Performing at the Webster City Middle School auditorium in Kindergarten.

What do you most enjoy about performing?

I enjoy being able to express my true self through music when I perform.

Are you in band and choir? If so, what part or instrument do you play or sing?

I am a tenor in choir and I play the trombone in Band.

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What 3 things do you bring?

I would bring a sword to retrieve food and for defense. I would also bring my trombone for entertainment and I need the practice anyway. The last thing I would bring is a journal so I don’t go insane with my thoughts.

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