Rushmore Music Camp

The camp is currently under the leadership of Dr. Alan LaFave, Provost at Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD. Members of the Board of Directors include: Mrs. Ellen Diischer (Director of Music, St. Philip's Luthern Church, Hastings, MN), Mrs. Deb Wantoch-Yess (Director of Choral Music, Waseca High School, Waseca, MN), Dr. Randy Kohlenberg (Prof... ressor of Trombone, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC), Mr. Gary Hanson (Rapid City Public Schools - Retired), Mr. Dave Martinson (Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD) and Dr. Terry Beckler (Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Instructor, Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD). Well-known guest conductors and nationally recognized faculty members provide opportunities for music learning and performance of the highest caliber. Guest conductors including James Curnow, Kenneth Bloomquist, John Paynter, Alfred Reed, Eugene Corporan, Jerry Junkin, Dale Lonis, Alan LaFave, James McKinney, Wendy McCallum and others have led the concerts performed at the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Amphitheatre. Campers are provided opportunities to study with professionals on their instrument and voice. The current junior high faculty include: Mrs. Sue Gates, Mrs. Ellen Diischer, Mrs. Anna Hakeman, Mr. Dave Martinson, Mr. Gary Hanson, Mrs. Casey Danielson, Mr. Jerome Letcher, Mr. Jeff Patzlaff, Mr. Jim Panerio, Mr. Michael Skyles and Dr. Darci Bultema. The guest directors are Mrs. Ellen Diischer, choir, Mrs. Deb Wantoch-Yess, Rushmore singers, Mr. Jeff Patzlaff, cadet band, Mr. Dave Martinson, jazz band and Dr. Randy Kohlenberg, concert band. Current high school faculty include: Mr. Fred Hemke, Mrs. Ellen Diischer, Dr. Audrey Miller, Dr. Calvin Hofer, Mrs. Casey Danielson, Dr. Randy Kohlenberg, Dr. Terry Beckler, Mr. Michael Skyles and Dr. Darci Bultema. The guest directors are Mrs. Ellen Diischer, choir and Rushmore singers, Dr. Terry Beckler, jazz band and Dr. Wendy McCallum, concert band. Opportunities for enrichment in music education include ...Read More