Meet the Staff
Find out more about LSE's vocal music teachers and accompanists in the following Q & A's:Ann Moore (Teacher)
Missy Noonan (Teacher)
What
choirs do you work with at LSE?
I work with Court Choir, Ars Nova, and Bel Canto.
How long have you been at LSE?
I began at LSE in 1990. I worked until 1996 when I decided to stay home with my infant twin daughters. I started back part-time in 2002 and then went full-time once again for the 2004-2005 school year.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Gering, Nebraska (out by Scottsbluff). The house I grew up in is at the base of the Scottsbluff National Monument. What a view! I lived on the outskirts of town so had the benefit of town-living (paved streets, swimming pools, handy shopping) but also the benefits of country life (horseback-riding, 4-H, deer, and snakes!)
What is your educational background?
I earned my bachelors from UNL and have 22 hours toward my masters.
What other jobs/positions have you held?
In high school, I worked at a bank. (I thought I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps!) I've worked as a runner at a law firm in Lincoln, a convenience store, retail, summer music camps, beverage cart driver at a golf course. (great tips!)
I've also worked as Director of Music at Trinity Methodist Church and taught voice privately for 12 years. I also had my moment on stage when I sang with Opera/Omaha and made next to nothing!
What experiences professionally or personally have you had that prepared you for working with LSE music students?
Professionally, I think my studies at UNL were excellent training for teaching. I also had incredible student teaching training here at LSE under the direction of Tim Sharer. I continue to attend professional conventions and reading sessions. Most importantly, each day I teach at LSE prepares my for the following day. LSE students are incredible and challenge me to give my best each and every day.
What are some things you particularly like about working with LSE choirs?
Is there anything you'd like to improve about the situation?
By far, it is the students at LSE that make it all worthwhile. LSE students are talented, dedicated, and over-all nice people. If I could change anything about LSE, it would certainly be the physical environment. Air-conditioning, windows, practice rooms, pianos, storage are high on my wish list!
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Brian, works in e-business at Ameritas. My daughters, Samantha and Madeline, are ten years and very involved in music (singing, piano, cello, french horn), dance, soccer, and discovering what it is to be a "tween!" Our dog, Charlie, is an energetic toy poodle who doesn't look anything like a toy poodle!
What kinds of music do you listen to outside of school (for instance, in the car)?
Honestly, when alone in the car (almost never), I often prefer silence! It gives my ears a rest. Most of the time, however, I listen to musical theatre, classical, or vocal jazz.
What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
I enjoy reading, traveling, gardening, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends and family.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I'm kind of an open book. I was a business finance major for two years before changing to music education. Oh yes, I love peanut butter and pickle sandwiches!
Julie Eschliman (Accompanist)
What kinds of music do you listen to outside of school?
My car radio is tuned to an oldies station, and that's about all the music I listen to outside of school. Sometimes, while cleaning, I'll play Broadway musical soundtracks or classic rock legends like James Taylor or Simon and Garfunkle. I really get enough music from school and Church, so I don't go out of my way to listen to it anywhere else. My knowledge of pop music slowed to a trickle after the eighties!
Betty Peters (Accompanist)
The Peters family (left to right): Kyle, Keith, Karin, Shelly, Reid, Betty, Larry, and Drew
I work with Court Choir, Ars Nova, and Bel Canto.
How long have you been at LSE?
I began at LSE in 1990. I worked until 1996 when I decided to stay home with my infant twin daughters. I started back part-time in 2002 and then went full-time once again for the 2004-2005 school year.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Gering, Nebraska (out by Scottsbluff). The house I grew up in is at the base of the Scottsbluff National Monument. What a view! I lived on the outskirts of town so had the benefit of town-living (paved streets, swimming pools, handy shopping) but also the benefits of country life (horseback-riding, 4-H, deer, and snakes!)
What is your educational background?
I earned my bachelors from UNL and have 22 hours toward my masters.
What other jobs/positions have you held?
In high school, I worked at a bank. (I thought I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps!) I've worked as a runner at a law firm in Lincoln, a convenience store, retail, summer music camps, beverage cart driver at a golf course. (great tips!)
I've also worked as Director of Music at Trinity Methodist Church and taught voice privately for 12 years. I also had my moment on stage when I sang with Opera/Omaha and made next to nothing!
What experiences professionally or personally have you had that prepared you for working with LSE music students?
Professionally, I think my studies at UNL were excellent training for teaching. I also had incredible student teaching training here at LSE under the direction of Tim Sharer. I continue to attend professional conventions and reading sessions. Most importantly, each day I teach at LSE prepares my for the following day. LSE students are incredible and challenge me to give my best each and every day.
What are some things you particularly like about working with LSE choirs?
Is there anything you'd like to improve about the situation?
By far, it is the students at LSE that make it all worthwhile. LSE students are talented, dedicated, and over-all nice people. If I could change anything about LSE, it would certainly be the physical environment. Air-conditioning, windows, practice rooms, pianos, storage are high on my wish list!
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Brian, works in e-business at Ameritas. My daughters, Samantha and Madeline, are ten years and very involved in music (singing, piano, cello, french horn), dance, soccer, and discovering what it is to be a "tween!" Our dog, Charlie, is an energetic toy poodle who doesn't look anything like a toy poodle!
What kinds of music do you listen to outside of school (for instance, in the car)?
Honestly, when alone in the car (almost never), I often prefer silence! It gives my ears a rest. Most of the time, however, I listen to musical theatre, classical, or vocal jazz.
What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
I enjoy reading, traveling, gardening, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends and family.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I'm kind of an open book. I was a business finance major for two years before changing to music education. Oh yes, I love peanut butter and pickle sandwiches!
The
Noonan family (left to right): Samantha, Missy, Madeline, Brian,
and Missy again
Kevin Scheele (Teacher)
What choirs do you work with at LSE?
I work with Singing Knights.
How long have you been at LSE?
This (2007-2008) is my first year teaching at Southeast.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the family farm outside of Waco, NE. My dad farms
about 1000 acres of corn and soybeans, and we have around 30 beef
cows. During the summers, I'm mostly at home working with dad to
keep things running around the farm.
What is your educational background?
I went to Nebraska Wesleyan here in Lincoln and graduated in
December of 2006 with a Bachelors of Music Education degree.
What other jobs/positions have you held?
To be honest, growing up, I never had a job away from
home-- I always worked for my dad on the farm. While I was
at Wesleyan, I worked for the music history professor as a student
assistant, and for the music department as a courier, stage manager,
and sound technician.
What experiences professionally or personally have you had that prepared you for working with LSE music students?
A few years ago, I did some practicum teaching with June Bowers and
Missy during Singing Knights. I think this gave me some
idea of the music program at Southeast before I had even considered
teaching here. My student teaching at Milford High School was
also a great help.
What are some things you
particularly like about working with LSE choirs?
Is there anything you'd like to improve about the situation?
I'm happy to be coming in as the new choir room is being
completed. I've heard stories of 100 degree heat in the old choir
room (and not during the summer). I would love to see some
seating risers in the new choir room, though.
Tell us about your family.
My parents stay busy on the farm, and are now 'parenting' their
parents, as three of my grandparents are still living and at their own
homes. I have an older sister who teaches social studies at
Elkhorn H.S., and a younger brother that's majoring in math at UNL.
What kinds of music do you listen to outside of school?
I like to think I'll listen to just about anything, but I suppose I
tend to lean toward vocal jazz, classical, big band, and standards.
What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
I'm active in several community organizations, both here in Lincoln
and back in Utica. I've been working witht the Lincoln Boys Choir
for the past 5 years, and this will be my fourth year of directing the
younger group, the Concert Choir.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I never played any sports in high school, but I was a student trainer. I taped ankles, filled ice bags, and all the other stuff that goes along with that.
Julie Eschliman (Accompanist)
What choirs do you work with at
LSE?
I play for Singing Knights, Court Choir, Knight Sounds, Countesses and Noblemen, Ars Nova, and Bel Canto.
I play for Singing Knights, Court Choir, Knight Sounds, Countesses and Noblemen, Ars Nova, and Bel Canto.
How long have
you been at LSE?
I've been a regular staff member at Southeast since
1992. The two years previous to that, while I was in graduate
school, I played for the Southeast musicals (Into the Woods in Spring 1991, and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown in
Spring 1992, in case you were curious). That is how I managed to
stumble into this job after I graduated!
Where did you grow up?
I was born in California, but moved to Kenesaw, Nebraska, when I was two years old. My dad was (is) a Presbyterian minister, my mom was (is) a music teacher, and I was (am) the youngest of five siblings. The summer before first grade, my family moved to Lincoln to take advantage of the excellent school systerm. I went to Sheridan Elementary, then Irving Junior High until we moved back to central Nebraska when I was in seventh grade. While I lived in Lincoln, my three brothers all graduated from Southeast, so I've been coming to concerts here since I was six years old. I spent the rest of junior and senior high school in Campbell, Nebraska, where I graduated in a class of five people--all girls.
I was born in California, but moved to Kenesaw, Nebraska, when I was two years old. My dad was (is) a Presbyterian minister, my mom was (is) a music teacher, and I was (am) the youngest of five siblings. The summer before first grade, my family moved to Lincoln to take advantage of the excellent school systerm. I went to Sheridan Elementary, then Irving Junior High until we moved back to central Nebraska when I was in seventh grade. While I lived in Lincoln, my three brothers all graduated from Southeast, so I've been coming to concerts here since I was six years old. I spent the rest of junior and senior high school in Campbell, Nebraska, where I graduated in a class of five people--all girls.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance and Piano Performance from Hastings College, and a Master of Music in Voice Performance from UN-L.
I have a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance and Piano Performance from Hastings College, and a Master of Music in Voice Performance from UN-L.
What other jobs/positions have you held?
Throughout the years, I've held a number of "minimum wage" jobs that made me appreciate my education a lot more. These jobs have included burger-broiling ad Burger King, sandwich assembling at Little King, clerking at Gas 'n' Shop (several locations, usually the graveyard shift), one summer on the LPS paint crew, and cashiering, accounting, and video department running at two Super Saver locations. I've also supported myself with free-lance musical work, accompanying for all kinds of events, singing at the occasional wedding or Church service, and writing and arranging music. Accompanying was my primary source of income during my college years, and I got a lot of experience with both choral and solo recital accompanying. I taught voice lessons briefly during graduate school, but found it to be stressful.
Throughout the years, I've held a number of "minimum wage" jobs that made me appreciate my education a lot more. These jobs have included burger-broiling ad Burger King, sandwich assembling at Little King, clerking at Gas 'n' Shop (several locations, usually the graveyard shift), one summer on the LPS paint crew, and cashiering, accounting, and video department running at two Super Saver locations. I've also supported myself with free-lance musical work, accompanying for all kinds of events, singing at the occasional wedding or Church service, and writing and arranging music. Accompanying was my primary source of income during my college years, and I got a lot of experience with both choral and solo recital accompanying. I taught voice lessons briefly during graduate school, but found it to be stressful.
What experiences professionally or
personally have you had that prepared you for working with LSE music
students?
Of course, the fact that I've been accompanying since I was about ten years old prepared me for the accompanying parts of my job. The non-music jobs I've held have taught me patience and empathy towards people who live differently than I do. My training in vocal performance is very useful for understanding what my students are trying to do, and makes me more able to listen for parts that may need more support from the piano. Growing up as a little sister of Southeast students helps me understand the traditions and history of the vocal music department.
Of course, the fact that I've been accompanying since I was about ten years old prepared me for the accompanying parts of my job. The non-music jobs I've held have taught me patience and empathy towards people who live differently than I do. My training in vocal performance is very useful for understanding what my students are trying to do, and makes me more able to listen for parts that may need more support from the piano. Growing up as a little sister of Southeast students helps me understand the traditions and history of the vocal music department.
What are some things you particularly like
about working with LSE choirs?
Is there anything you'd like to improve about the situation?
I suppose the number one advantage to working at Southeast is the quality of students that we get to work with. Because we get to work with talent, we get to tackle challenging and rewarding music, and we can be proud of what we've created after the work is done. The parents are also very supportive, and our Choral Boosters are invaluable! My colleagues on the vocal music staff (and throughout the entire school) are not only great at their jobs, but are also very likeable and caring people who make coming to work a pleasure. LSE vocal music is also incedibly lucky to have one of the most supportive administrations anywhere--our principals protect us from budget cuts and scheduling problems because they believe in what we're doing as much as we do. The only thing I don't love about Southeast is the lack of air-quality control in our music wing. Here's hoping we'll finally get our needed facility upgrades in the near future!
Tell us about your family.
Is there anything you'd like to improve about the situation?
I suppose the number one advantage to working at Southeast is the quality of students that we get to work with. Because we get to work with talent, we get to tackle challenging and rewarding music, and we can be proud of what we've created after the work is done. The parents are also very supportive, and our Choral Boosters are invaluable! My colleagues on the vocal music staff (and throughout the entire school) are not only great at their jobs, but are also very likeable and caring people who make coming to work a pleasure. LSE vocal music is also incedibly lucky to have one of the most supportive administrations anywhere--our principals protect us from budget cuts and scheduling problems because they believe in what we're doing as much as we do. The only thing I don't love about Southeast is the lack of air-quality control in our music wing. Here's hoping we'll finally get our needed facility upgrades in the near future!
Tell us about your family.
I'm still single with
no kids, but am very active in the lives of my six nephews and two
nieces (ages 7-21). Some of them live very close to me, so I get
to hang out with them a lot. I have a two much-loved cats
named North and Smudge. (Pictures of them being adorable
here: http://www.julie.lsechoir.org/personal/cats/
)
What kinds of music do you listen to outside of school?
My car radio is tuned to an oldies station, and that's about all the music I listen to outside of school. Sometimes, while cleaning, I'll play Broadway musical soundtracks or classic rock legends like James Taylor or Simon and Garfunkle. I really get enough music from school and Church, so I don't go out of my way to listen to it anywhere else. My knowledge of pop music slowed to a trickle after the eighties!
What are some of your other
interests/hobbies?
I love a good story, so reading, television, and movies are a big source of entertainment for me. I also enjoy working and playing games on the computer (love The Sims!), jigsaw puzzles, and variety word puzzles to keep my mind sharp. I spend a lot of time enjoying and caring for my pets, and spend as much time as possible with my nieces and nephews.
I love a good story, so reading, television, and movies are a big source of entertainment for me. I also enjoy working and playing games on the computer (love The Sims!), jigsaw puzzles, and variety word puzzles to keep my mind sharp. I spend a lot of time enjoying and caring for my pets, and spend as much time as possible with my nieces and nephews.
Tell us something about yourself that not
many people know.
I kept pet rats for several years. I belong to several clubs and Internet groups for people who really love their pet rats, and have even created some websites about my pets. If you're not too terrified, you can easily find some of them by searching for "Julie's rats" on the Internet. I played viola briefly in college, and was even in a string quartet for awhile, though I never really learned to play well. I've taught myself to play pennywhistle, which is very fun, and am now learning the "Low D pennywhistle" which is the king-sized version and has to be held differently. When I was growing up, I planned to be a writer, and was always writing short stories and poems. Now most of my writing is for emails. That's probably why I enjoy working on this website so much! A few years ago, on a whim, my sister and I started training in Tae kwon do, and I managed to earn a yellow belt before fall school activities made scheduling training sessions impossible.
The nephews and nieces (left to right): Dan, Matt, Sam, (front) Mark, Derek, (front) Coco, Kayla, and Adam.
I kept pet rats for several years. I belong to several clubs and Internet groups for people who really love their pet rats, and have even created some websites about my pets. If you're not too terrified, you can easily find some of them by searching for "Julie's rats" on the Internet. I played viola briefly in college, and was even in a string quartet for awhile, though I never really learned to play well. I've taught myself to play pennywhistle, which is very fun, and am now learning the "Low D pennywhistle" which is the king-sized version and has to be held differently. When I was growing up, I planned to be a writer, and was always writing short stories and poems. Now most of my writing is for emails. That's probably why I enjoy working on this website so much! A few years ago, on a whim, my sister and I started training in Tae kwon do, and I managed to earn a yellow belt before fall school activities made scheduling training sessions impossible.
The nephews and nieces (left to right): Dan, Matt, Sam, (front) Mark, Derek, (front) Coco, Kayla, and Adam.
Betty Peters (Accompanist)
What
choirs do you work with at LSE?
I work with Singing Knights (9th grade), Queens Court (10th, 11th, 12th grade women), and Excalibur (10th grade chamber choir).
How long have you been at LSE?
My first year as a Knight was 1997-98.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a farm near Marquette, NE, about 12 miles north of Aurora. I took piano lessons in Grand Island from Mrs. Walbrecht, across the street from Grand Island Senior High. Our recitals were on the "huge" (to a child) stage of that high school! My dad was a farmer and my mom a nurse. Mom always wanted to play the piano, but never got to take lessons, so she made sure her 3 daughters learned to play.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Grace University in Omaha, NE with a major in Sacred Music and then completed teacher education courses at UNL. I've also taken classes at Kearney State, and distance learning courses from Wayne State and Peru State.
What other jobs/positions have you held?
I worked as a legal secretary when I graduated from high school, but wanted to go on to college to be able to teach elementary music. The law firm always took me back on holidays and summer breaks during my college years. I also traveled for my college with a summer team, singing/playing in churches and camps. My first teaching job for 3 years was at Tri-County schoools, south of Crete, teaching K-5 general music. I quit that job to raise our 4 boys and taught piano students in my home. When the kids were all in school, I substituted at Eagle and Waverly in all grade and subject levels.
What experiences professionally or personally have you had that prepared you for working with LSE music students?
My teaching experience and substituting helped me be ready to work with LSE music students. I was used to dealing with teenagers and their friends as my boys were all in their teens when I started here.
What are some things you particularly like about working with LSE choirs?
Is there anything you'd like to improve about the situation?
The LSE choirs are excellent!!! It is a privilege to come to work with them each day. It's a challenge to get to play their music and see them grow in their skills and as people. Our pianos need repair and the rooms need to be climate controlled (air-conditioning), but otherwise this is an encouraging place to work. The administration and staff at this school are super!
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Larry, has his own business installing the trim wood in new homes in Lincoln. He has done that for nearly 30 years. Our oldest son, Drew (25), works with him as a trim carpenter and lives in north Lincoln. Our second son, Keith (24), is married to Karin and they have our first grandchild, Lianna, born March 10. Keith has one more year of UNL law school; Karin works for UNL in the office of institutional research. Our third son, Reid (22), just graduated from Grace University with a degree in accounting. He and his wife, Shelly, work and live in Omaha, where she is finishing nursing school at Clarkson. Kyle (20), our youngest son, will be a junior at Grace U with a major in computer information systems. We live on a acreage near Eagle, so we have a Blue Heeler named Chauncey (after the LSE women's choir who were named "Chansonniere" before they were called Queens Court). We have lots of cats and kittens every year. Chauncey enjoys chasing them nearly to death!
What kinds of music do you listen to outside of school?
Outside of LSE, I enjoy classical and sacred piano music, soloists and choirs. I listen to some contemporary music just to stay in touch with where the kids are. However, since my work day is full of sound, I really enjoy silence at home. I like to practice piano for my church and try to keep learning new music every week.
What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
We have a huge vegetable garden every summer, so I cook, can and freeze lots of veggies. I also have lots of flowers. Reading, computer skills, baking and sewing are hobbies I try to keep up with. Talking with my husband and kids has always been my favorite thing to do. Now shopping with my new daughters-in-law is a special treat!
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
Larry and I love doing Water Aerobics together at Sports Courts at least 3 times a week. June Bowers got us started when she worked here.
I work with Singing Knights (9th grade), Queens Court (10th, 11th, 12th grade women), and Excalibur (10th grade chamber choir).
How long have you been at LSE?
My first year as a Knight was 1997-98.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a farm near Marquette, NE, about 12 miles north of Aurora. I took piano lessons in Grand Island from Mrs. Walbrecht, across the street from Grand Island Senior High. Our recitals were on the "huge" (to a child) stage of that high school! My dad was a farmer and my mom a nurse. Mom always wanted to play the piano, but never got to take lessons, so she made sure her 3 daughters learned to play.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Grace University in Omaha, NE with a major in Sacred Music and then completed teacher education courses at UNL. I've also taken classes at Kearney State, and distance learning courses from Wayne State and Peru State.
What other jobs/positions have you held?
I worked as a legal secretary when I graduated from high school, but wanted to go on to college to be able to teach elementary music. The law firm always took me back on holidays and summer breaks during my college years. I also traveled for my college with a summer team, singing/playing in churches and camps. My first teaching job for 3 years was at Tri-County schoools, south of Crete, teaching K-5 general music. I quit that job to raise our 4 boys and taught piano students in my home. When the kids were all in school, I substituted at Eagle and Waverly in all grade and subject levels.
What experiences professionally or personally have you had that prepared you for working with LSE music students?
My teaching experience and substituting helped me be ready to work with LSE music students. I was used to dealing with teenagers and their friends as my boys were all in their teens when I started here.
What are some things you particularly like about working with LSE choirs?
Is there anything you'd like to improve about the situation?
The LSE choirs are excellent!!! It is a privilege to come to work with them each day. It's a challenge to get to play their music and see them grow in their skills and as people. Our pianos need repair and the rooms need to be climate controlled (air-conditioning), but otherwise this is an encouraging place to work. The administration and staff at this school are super!
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Larry, has his own business installing the trim wood in new homes in Lincoln. He has done that for nearly 30 years. Our oldest son, Drew (25), works with him as a trim carpenter and lives in north Lincoln. Our second son, Keith (24), is married to Karin and they have our first grandchild, Lianna, born March 10. Keith has one more year of UNL law school; Karin works for UNL in the office of institutional research. Our third son, Reid (22), just graduated from Grace University with a degree in accounting. He and his wife, Shelly, work and live in Omaha, where she is finishing nursing school at Clarkson. Kyle (20), our youngest son, will be a junior at Grace U with a major in computer information systems. We live on a acreage near Eagle, so we have a Blue Heeler named Chauncey (after the LSE women's choir who were named "Chansonniere" before they were called Queens Court). We have lots of cats and kittens every year. Chauncey enjoys chasing them nearly to death!
What kinds of music do you listen to outside of school?
Outside of LSE, I enjoy classical and sacred piano music, soloists and choirs. I listen to some contemporary music just to stay in touch with where the kids are. However, since my work day is full of sound, I really enjoy silence at home. I like to practice piano for my church and try to keep learning new music every week.
What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
We have a huge vegetable garden every summer, so I cook, can and freeze lots of veggies. I also have lots of flowers. Reading, computer skills, baking and sewing are hobbies I try to keep up with. Talking with my husband and kids has always been my favorite thing to do. Now shopping with my new daughters-in-law is a special treat!
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
Larry and I love doing Water Aerobics together at Sports Courts at least 3 times a week. June Bowers got us started when she worked here.
The Peters family (left to right): Kyle, Keith, Karin, Shelly, Reid, Betty, Larry, and Drew