Brookings Community Music School
Mary Ermel - Piano
Mary Ermel, a native of Colorado, earned a Bachelor of Music in
Piano Performance from the University of Northern Colorado at
Greeley, a Master of Music in Piano Performance at the San
Francisco Conservatory of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from
North Dakota State University. Reflecting her interest in the science
of teaching and learning, Dr. Ermel also holds a Master of Education
from the University of Sioux Falls.
Andrew Samuelsen is a musician/music instructor from Indiana. He recently graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance/Music Composition, where he studied Voice, Piano, Guitar, and Percussion/drums. At BYU-Idaho, he spent a year teaching Music Theory, and was a member of the top choirs there. He is excited to start this new chapter of his life and take on new students!
Nancy Ohnstad - String Teacher
Nancy attributes her love of music and skill to many teachers. She guides her string students to be fine musicians and to enjoy the journey. Fond memories of hers include observing teachers and students at summer institutes, taking some junior high students to perform at a strolling strings event, the warm feelings she gets from seeing progress with her students in recitals, friendships developed with parents, students, & orchestra members, plus trips to entertain nursing home residents - to name a few.
Some of her most notable teachers were Hratch Berberian (violin), John Colson (SDSU orchestra Director), Mark Bjork, William Starr, Gilda Barston (Violin & Cello Suzuki specialists); Anna Vorhes & Mary Kay Waddington (harp instructor, & Suzuki specialist). She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree (strings & vocal minor) at SDSU in Brookings, SD.
Her musical journey includes performing in community orchestras in South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona & now in Brookings, SD. She has attended many workshops for further training. Nancy likes to play her violin or harp for church and special events.