Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

July 8, 2009, Page 5   

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

‘A Grand Celebration’

At Calvary Lutheran Church, July 12 

The public is invited to attend “A Grand Celebration” piano concert at Calvary Lutheran Church, Neillsville Sunday, July 12 at 7 p.m. featuring the musical talents of Aaron Knodle, Marta Knodle, Jodi Rueth, Jan Simonson, James Voss and the Calvary & Friends Choir.  In October of 2008, Calvary’s Piano Committee began their fundraising efforts to purchase a new grand piano.  Within eight months, the committee had raised over $16,350 from cookbook sales, the buy-a-key program and general donations.  The evening’s performance celebrates Calvary’s new grand piano.

Featured performers:

Aaron Knodle has performed at the Interfaith concerts, in high school and Neillsville Area Players’ (NAP) musical productions and at many churches in the community and in the Marshfield community.  Aaron just finished his second baccalaureate year at the University of Iowa where he studies organ performance and music education. Due to a professor’s retirement, this fall Aaron will be continuing his studies at Luther College in Decorah, IA. This summer, in collaboration with his sister Marta, Aaron is the music director for the Neillsville Area Players’ production of Grease.

Marta Knodle, Neillsville has performed in high school and NAP musical productions.  Marta just completed her first year at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.  She is studying musical theatre and intends to apply to the College of Education. This summer, her time is devoted to directing the Neillsville Area Players’ production of Grease with her brother Aaron.

Jodi Rueth was raised in Greenwood where she was musically active throughout her high school years.  She began piano lessons at the age of six and continued taking lessons through her second year of college.  Jodi received her Bachelor of Music in Education from UW-Stevens Point in 1992 with a major in voice and a minor in piano.  Jodi plays and sings for weddings, funerals and other community events including the Missoula Children’s Theatre and the Neillsville Area Players as music director and accompanist.  Currently Jodi is one of Calvary’s church organists and directs the Children’s and Senior Choirs at Calvary.  Jodi is also the current K-6 general music teacher and the middle school & high school choral accompanist for concerts and solo-ensemble for the Neillsville School District.  In the past, she has taught music in the school districts of Greenwood, Colby and Colfax.

 Jan Simonson began taking piano lessons in Alma Center in 1964 and continued taking lessons for the next 12 years.  In 1974, Jan began playing the organ for churches from Alma Center to Colby.  Jan has been one of Calvary’s organists since 2006 and is also the senior choir accompanist.  Over the years, she has played for over 100 weddings, funerals and other special events.

James Voss has been playing guitar since he was five years old and the bass since the 1980s.  Currently he plays in the jazz band, Front Porch Swing and the Beatles band, the FAB Five.  James has played for the Neillsville Area Players for the last six to seven years and is a substitute teacher for the Neillsville School District in his spare time.  James is also the co-owner of Tuft’s mansion Bed & Breakfast.

Conclude your Heritage Days weekend festivities by relaxing at this free-will piano concert, which promises to bring an evening of music to your ears.  Refreshments will be served following the concert.  Supplemental funds will be provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

 Related Links

Calvary New Piano (11 June 2009)

Pastor Gordon Retires (6 Jan. 2010)