Valparaiso University Faculty and Alumni Bringing Music to the Region
Valparaiso University’s Jeffrey Doebler Ph.D., professor of music, along with several current students and Valpo alumni, are continuing to enrich the arts in the Region as part of the Michigan City Municipal Band (MCMB), performing their final concerts for the 156th season at 7:30 p.m., August 1st and 8th at the Guy Foreman Memorial Amphitheater in Washington Park, Michigan City. Both concerts are free and open to the public. A four dollar parking fee applies, but walk-ins are welcome.
On August 1st, the MCMB will premiere “Remembering Naomi” by Michigan City composer Dan Schaaf, a piece that tells the story of another Michigan City native: prominent African-American suffragist Naomi Anderson. It will also include a euphonium solo by Gunnery Sergeant Hiram Diaz of the U.S. Marine Band.
The August 8th performance will feature a solo by another member of the Valparaiso University community, Anne Marie Bice, adjunct instructor of music.
Professor Doebler has served as conductor for the 50-person municipal band since 2014. To him, the Valparaiso University presence within the MCMB exemplifies many of the values the University represents.
“The Valpo alumni represent outstanding players; not all were music majors,” Professor Doebler said. “It’s a great example of the Lutheran liberal arts university tradition in music: lots of fine players participate, representing many different majors and professions. It’s also a great example of ‘music education in action,’ since all of these musicians got started in their school music programs.”
Dakota Maze ’22 joined the MCMB to network with fellow musicians and to continue working under Professor Doebler.
“My time at Valpo was a restoration to my soul. I was given plenty of opportunities to perform and network,” Dakota said. “If not for the relationships I made at Valpo I would not have been able to teach or play in most of the groups that I play in full-time or sub with.”
Jared Coller ’18 joined the band in 2019 to continue pursuing a passion that he had refined as a Valpo student.
“My time at Valpo provided several opportunities that helped solidify my love of performing music,” Jared said. “My professors encouraged me to seek out new opportunities, find new music, and participate in different ensembles that pushed my abilities as a musician and exposed me to new genres and styles of music.”
To learn more about the MCMB, visit their website here. Valparaiso University will host a variety of concerts, shows, and performances throughout the 2024-25 academic year, and a full schedule will be made available on the music department’s website here.
