Being part of the Music Department means you are part of a big family. Everyone roots for you and wants you to be successful. I have grown so much as a student and musician in my time here because of how much support there is. With my degree, I would like to teach K-12 music at a rural school in Nebraska. I’ve gained so much experience through all the ensembles and teaching experiences, and I feel confident I’m going down the right career path.
Kelsie Hupp
Cedar Rapids, Nebraska
Major: Vocal and Instrumental Music Education (PK-12)
Being part of the Music Department means you are part of a big family. Everyone roots for you and wants you to be successful. I have grown so much as a student and musician in my time here because of how much support there is. With my degree, I would like to teach K-12 music at a rural school in Nebraska. I’ve gained so much experience through all the ensembles and teaching experiences, and I feel confident I’m going down the right career path.
Kelsie Hupp
Cedar Rapids, Nebraska
Major: Vocal and Instrumental Music Education (PK-12)
Accredited by NASM
WSC’s Music Degree programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and recognized as high quality music programs.
Department faculty
Matthew Armstrong, DMA
Professor
Dr. Matthew Armstrong is a music professor at Wayne State College. He is the director of choral activities and leads the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Lyrica (Soprano/Alto) and Fortis (Tenor/Bass) Choirs. Additionally, he teaches courses in conducting, choral literature, and music education.
Shelly Armstrong, MME
Accompanist
Shelly Marshall Armstrong is the collaborative pianist at Wayne State. She accompanies choirs, classes, and student juries and recitals, as well as WSC faculty and guest recitals.
Dr. Josh Calkin is a music professor and director of bands at Wayne State College. His duties include directing the Wildcat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble, and Mariachi Oro y Negro. He also teaches all applied low brass and low brass methods, world music, and instrumental conducting.
Melissa Derechailo, DMA
Instructor
Dr. Melissa Derechailo teaches horn, music history, music theatre history, and music industry in the Music Department at Wayne State College. She also serves as the theatre manager for the Ley and Ramsey theatres.
Dr. Sarah Farr is a music professor and teaches voice classes at Wayne State College. Farr's teaching focuses on healthy vocal production and fostering the individuality of each voice.
Michael Genslinger, MME
Assistant Professor
Michael Genslinger is a music professor at Wayne State College. In addition to serving as the assistant director of bands, he teaches music education courses and applied trumpet.
Matthew Haakenson, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Matthew Haakenson is a music professor and teaches music theory and aural skills at Wayne State.
Dr. Karl Kolbeck is a music professor at Wayne State College, specializing in woodwinds. His academic interests include applied lessons in oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon; woodwind courses, music history and literature, instrument repair, and directing various ensembles.
Angela Miller-Niles, DMA
Professor
Dr. Angela Miller-Niles is a music professor and the Music Department chair at Wayne State College. She teaches applied piano lessons, class in piano, music technology, and piano pedagogy.
