Meet the Faculty

Dr. David A. Klee Sr. , Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of Music, joined the Buena Vista University music department in the fall of 2001. Dr. Klee directs the jazz ensemble, the jazz combo and teaches advanced music theory, music appreciation , jazz appreciation, and woodwind lessons. He received a bachelor of arts degree in flute performance and music education from Mercer University in Macon, Ga., a master of music education degree with an emphasis in flute performance from the University of South Carolina, and a doctorate in musical arts in flute performance from the University of Georgia in 1998. A classical as well as a jazz flutist, Dr. Klee is great demand as both a performer and clicinian throughout the Mid-west.

Jerry Bertrand , Jerry Bertrand is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa and his Master of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He has done additional graduate work at the Universty of Minnesota, the University of South Dakota, the University of Iowa and Augustana College. Mr. Bertrand is active as a member of the Sioux City Symphony and conductor of the LeMars Municipal Band. He is a member of the Iowa Bandmasters Association where he serves on the advisory board. Mr. Bertrand also is active as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor.

Paula Keeler is Director of Choral Activities. She holds a Masters of Music Education degree from the University of Kansas and is continuing to work towards a Doctorate in Music Education from the University of Iowa. She directs the vocal music education program and coaches private voice. She is a frequent clinician for choral, solo and show choir competitions in the region. Mrs. Keeler has served on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Choral Directors Association and the Iowa MENC organization. She is a participating vocal instructor in National NATS and helped establish the Showchoir and All-State Camps at Buena Vista University. Her vocal students and ensembles have received many competition honors and she presently has former students performing in the Opera Company of Venice and in the Metropolitan Opera Company.

Glee Crippin , adjunct voice teacher at BVU, began her college career at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She completed her bachelor's degree at Buena Vista University and has a Masters degree from the University of South Dakota. In addition to her voice studio on campus, she has a full private studio at home and performs with community theater and the Cherokee Symphony. She is a frequent adjudicator for area solo competitions.

Beth Rowlet , instructor of piano, received her Bachelor of Music education degree from Drake University and her Master of Music degree from the University of South Dakota. For several years she has been involved within the community in teaching privately and accompanying professionally.

Curt Ohrlund is adjunct professor of trombone and low brass. He received his B.F.A in Music Education in 1981 and M.M.E. in 1994 from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. He is a member of the Sioux City Municipal Band and has appeared as soloist with the LeMars Municipal Band. Mr. Ohrlund serves as High School Instrumental Director for the LeMars Community District, LeMars, IA. Professional memberships include: Iowa Bandmasters Association, Northwest Iowa Bandmasters Association (past president), Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association.

Lee Thorson , is adjunct string instructor for the BVU music department. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Morningside College and Master of Music at the University of Arizona. He has been the conductor of the Cherokee Symphony since 1981 and is a long time member of the Sioux City Symphony. He is also artistic director of the Vista Chamber Players, a string quartet that performs throughout the area.

LaVonne Hoffman is a professional accompanist. She received her musical training from the Chicago Conservatory where she earned her degree in piano performance. She was an elementary music teacher in the Storm Lake public schools for 17 years.

Deanna Larson is a professional accompanist. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado.