After three teachers in three years, the Orchestra program looks toward the future with their newest teacher, Dawn Herron. This is Herron’s 17th year teaching and first time teaching in Kansas. Previously,...
On Saturday, Jan. 13, 21 orchestra members attended state auditions. The results came back soon after; 11 students from Free State were selected to play and one was selected as an alternate on the harp....
After serving as the Director of Orchestras program for 11 years at the school, Judy Erpelding has announced her resignation, effective May 26.
With this position being her first teaching job, she...
For choir director Scott Ireland, this semester has been a "never-ending cycle" of Webex, Flip Grid, SmartMusic, emails and planning.
Assistant Orchestra director Russell Clark has also been adapting...
Jon Fitzgerald was born on March 21, 1994. He is the second of three children. Despite being the middle child he does not fade into the background. He makes sure that the world knows who he is. Or at least,...
![Playing the violin, Ms. Herron, the new orchestra teacher, demonstrates to her class how to play a piece. “I was a little nervous going into [the first day], of course, but it was just so much fun and so welcoming from the students,” Herron said.](https://www.fsfreepressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-06-at-3.03.28 PM-1200x800.png)
![After receiving advice from her students, orchestra director Judy Erpelding marks her music. Although the director normally makes the artistic decisions, Erpelding will often consult her students and hear their opinions on what sounds good and what they should try out. “[The students] are the heart of the program, not me,” Erpelding said. “I know they will carry that on and I will miss them. Making great music with them, being able to challenge them, taking their inspiration.”](https://www.fsfreepressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Roust_Erpelding_5_11_23-600x900.jpg)
