McSweeny's School of the Performing Arts would like to welcome new instrumental music instructor,
Dan Cassady.
Dan Cassady taught music and directed band programs at Fort Dodge Senior High School, Iowa Central Community College, and St. Edmond High School. He has also worked as sales associate and taught jazz improvisation and brass instrument lessons at West Music in Coralville, and was on the adjunct faculties at Waldorf College and Kirkwood Community College. Dan works as a clinician and adjudicator with school band programs throughout Iowa and surrounding states.
He is a multiple-year honoree in Who’s Who Among Americas’ Teachers and the recipient of the NCIBA Distinguished Service Awards, The University of Texas Excellence Award, and the Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce Golden Apple Award. He holds the Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from The University of Iowa with additional work at VanderCook College of Music-Chicago, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa.
As a trombonist Dan has performed all styles in many area bands. He plays with the Jive For Five Brass Quintet, Karl King Municipal Band, Dick Bauman Big Band and Jazzed Up Big Band. He has also performed with the Jan Garber Orchestra, Simon Estes, Myron Floren, Aretha Franklin, Urbie Green, Marilyn Maye, and many others. Dan serves as an adjudicator for the Iowa High School Music Association as well as many independent contests and festivals. His professional memberships include the American School Band Directors Association, Iowa Bandmasters Association, Jazz Educators of Iowa, and the International Trombone Association. He has served on the staff of the Southwestern Community College Jazz Camps started by Dick Bauman in 1984 and has taught at the Reggie Schive Jazz Camps since 1985.
Dan and his wife, Lori have two sons and one daughter - Michael, Nathan and Megan; and granddaughter – Rigby.
Please contact MaryAnn McSweeny-Buhr at 515-576-3636 for further information on instrumental music lessons.
McSweeny's School of the Performing Arts would like to welcome new instrumental music instructor,
Dr. David A. Klee Sr.
Dr. David A. Klee, Sr. is the Director of Jazz Studies/Music Production & Technology and Professor of Music at Buena Vista University (Iowa). He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Flute Performance and Music Education from Mercer University (Macon, Georgia), the Master of Music Education Degree with an Emphasis in Flute Performance from the University of South Carolina,and the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Flute Performance from the University of Georgia in 1998. His former flute teachers include: Miss Martha Rearick, former principal flutist of the Florida Symphony, Mr. Warren Little, former principal flutist of the Atlanta Symphony, Dr. Constance Lane, former principal flutist of the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra, and Dr. Ronald Waln, Professor of Flute emeritus at the University of Georgia. During this time Dr. Klee amassed considerable experience performing in symphonies including the Middle Georgia and Macon Symphonies, chamber groups, and as a recitalist across the Southeast US. He worked in several recording studios as a staff musician on flutes, saxes, and electric bass. David also worked as a freelance jazz musician in several jazz groups performing on woodwinds and electric bass. Dr. Klee is currently the principal flutist for both the Fort Dodge Area Symphony Orchestra and the Karl King Band and heads up his own jazz group, “The Jazz Express”, performing original music he has written. He is also a freelance musician and clinician throughout the mid-west.
Many of his former students received full music scholarships from such prestigious schools as Florida State University, University of Georgia, Rice School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Northwestern University, University of Iowa, University Of Wisconsin-Whitewater, UNI, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Several of his former students are currently playing in orchestras’ full time. Dr. Klee has had four of his students go on to receive their doctorate in flute performance.
Please contact MaryAnn McSweeny-Buhr at 515-576-3636 for further information on instrumental music lessons.
McSweeny's School of the Performing Arts would like to welcome new piano instructor,
Mavis Chen.
Mavis Chen recently moved to Iowa from Taiwan. Mavis graduated from the University of Northern Iowa (U.N.I.) in 2005 with a Master’s Degree in Music Education (M.M.). Her undergraduate degree was in Music Performance (B.M.) from Hisin Chu Bible College, Taiwan, emphasizing in piano and voice. Mavis has been teaching music for over 20 years in piano, voice, children's choir, adult choir, music theory, and percussion ensembles.
While living in Taiwan, Mavis taught at Ju Percussion School in Tainan for a total of 15 years teaching piano and percussion.
In February of 2015, Mavis was married to her husband Danny, who is a middle school art teacher. They live in Webster City with their spoiled Taiwanese Mountain Dog, Mikie. She enjoys walking, camping, watching movies, and traveling.
Please contact MaryAnn McSweeny-Buhr at 515-576-3636 for further information on piano lessons.
McSweeny's School of the Performing Arts accepting
NEW STUDENT REGISTRATIONS
New student registrations are being accepted NOW through OCTOBER 15for music lessons in voice, piano, Suzuki violin, instrumental music and participation in the Fort Dodge Area Children’s Chorus (gr. 1-8). Instructors include MaryAnn McSweeny-Buhr, Dan Cassady, Mavis Chen, Melissa Gillette and David Klee.
The Fort Dodge Area Children’s Chorus (gr. 1-8) is accepting students on a first come, first served basis. Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, September 27 at 4:00 pm. Singers rehearse twice a week and perform bi-annual recitals in December and May. Join the fun!
Please contact MaryAnn McSweeny-Buhr at 515-576-3636 for further information on music lessons or participation in the Children’s Chorus.