Laczkoski has a Bachelor of Arts in Saxophone from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Saxophone Performance and Pedagogy from University of Iowa, and has nearly completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance and Pedagogy from University of Iowa. Additionally, he has five years of experience teaching in other institutions of higher education in North Dakota and Kansas where he taught woodwind lessons, music theory, organized several concerts per year, and more.

Laczkoski also has an accomplished resume as a performer, soloing and performing at recitals with several universities, churches, and various competitions. His most recent performances included playing with the Dodge City Community College, Casper College, and at the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 3 Conference.

Laczkoski will also be a part of the Soprano Saxophone CD Recording Project, set to release this year. His other record participations include a solo on Come Down Heavy, released in 2011; as well as contributions to Seven Settings and D. Martin Jenni Tribute, both released in 2006.

HLGU鈥檚 music department is devoted to equipping students with the key fundamentals and Christian worldview they need to succeed after graduation in careers such as teaching in public and private school systems, leading worship in churches, teaching privately, and more. Classes will begin this fall on August 24.

by Alex Shipley

鈥淚 am thrilled for Ms. Pyne to join the HLGU family of educators who are passionate about integrating the Christian faith and learning,鈥� said Dr. Dennis, interim vice president for academic administration. 鈥淎lyssa views her musical talents as beautiful gifts given by God, and she views herself as a steward of those gifts.鈥�

Pyne comes to HLGU from Houghton, New York where she received one of her two master鈥檚 degrees. The first is in curriculum and instruction from Clarks Summit University and the other in collaborative piano performance from Houghton College. At both universities she has gained university classroom teaching experience as a graduate assistant.

鈥淎lyssa鈥檚 excellent academic credentials and her teaching experience coupled with her commitment to train students to serve God with their musical talents, make her a natural fit at HLGU where we strive to prepare students to use their knowledge for service,鈥� said Dr. Dennis.

鈥淚 am continually amazed and overwhelmed by the beauty of God鈥檚 gift of music and the opportunities He has given me to study it, teach it, and share it with others,鈥� said Pyne.

HLGU鈥檚 music department is devoted to equipping students with the key fundamentals and Christian worldview they need to succeed after graduation in careers such as teaching in public and private school systems, leading worship in churches, teaching privately, and more.

by Alex Shipley, student worker

It will be a combined concert with performances by the HLGU Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Clarion Trumpet Choir, and La Sua Voce.

A variety of music will be featured throughout the evening including a percussion ensemble, a traditional spiritual, 鈥淎ll I Ask of You鈥� from The Phantom of the Opera, a cappella music, a John Phillip Sousa march, and much more.

For more information on the event, please contact Jane Griffen, music department chair, at 573-629-3165, or via email at jgriffen@hlg.edu.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

Performances will be given by the HLGU Concert Choir directed by Lori Scott, and the Clarion Trumpet Choir and HLGU Symphonic Band conducted by John Francis. Several student conductors will also be directing songs.

Pieces to be performed by the concert choir include a wide range of music from 鈥淒aniel Pinkham, Wedding Cantata,鈥� to 鈥淭he Battle of Jericho鈥� by Moses Hogan. The symphonic band will perform a favorite, 鈥淧rocession of the Sardar鈥� by Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov/Arr. by Merle J. Issac, and other selections.

This evening of beautiful and fun musical entertainment is free and open to the public. For more information on the event, please contact Jane Griffen, music department chair, at 573-629-3165, or via email at jgriffen@hlg.edu.

J. Bradley Baker, a pianist originally from Henderson, Tex., holds degrees from North Dakota State University, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the University of Alabama. Baker has served as the principal pianist with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, Hot Springs Music Festival, and Wichita Grand Opera. He is the director of the Tabor College Preparatory School and was recently appointed the education coordinator and head coach for the Wichita Grand Opera.

Dr. Jen Stephenson serves as assistant professor of music, director of vocal studies, and director of opera at Tabor College. She teaches voice and directs the women鈥檚 chorus, Concerto Bella Voce. Stephenson has performed internationally with France鈥檚 Opera du Perigord and Les Chanteurs de Saint Eustache, and Austria鈥檚 Classical Music Festival, as well as in the United States with New Century Opera.

For more information about the event, contact Jane Griffen, music department chair, at 573-629-3165, or via email at jgriffen@hlg.edu.