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BIOGRAPHIES

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Co-Chair of the All Iowa Show Choir, Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen

Dr. Van Waardhuizen is Assistant Professor of Music at Central College where she leads the music education area. She teaches music education methods courses including elementary general music methods, secondary music methods, show choir and jazz choir techniques, instrumental music education for vocal music education majors, voice lessons, Central College treble clef choir, and music in time. Van Waardhuizen earned her undergraduate degree from Drake University (B.M.E.), master’s degree from The University of Kansas (M.M.E. in choral pedagogy), and her Ph.D. from The University of Iowa.

Co-Chair of the All Iowa Show Choir, Mr. Luke Johnson

Mr. Luke Johnson is Director of Vocal Music at Iowa Western Community College. He conducts the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, 1st Edition Show Choir, IWCC Men’s Ensemble, IWCC Women’s Ensemble, SWI Community Chorale. He also oversees voice studies at Iowa Western, teaching college and area high school students. Johnson earned his undergraduate degree from Coe College (B.M.) and master's degree from VanderCook College of Music (M.M.).

VOCAL DIRECTOR of the All Iowa Show Choir 2019, Mr. Doran Johnson

Currently, in his thirtieth year as a music educator, Doran Johnson is the Choral Director and Performing Arts Department Chair at Westside High School in Omaha. Under his leadership, Westside ensembles have developed a national reputation, earning top honors at many prestigious events. The Westside Warrior Choir has performed with the Omaha Symphony on several occasions and has been awarded superior ratings at District Music Contest. The Amazing Technicolor Show Choir has been a consistent finalist at competitive events across the country, garnering many Best Vocals, Best Choreography and Best Band awards. Johnson has also served as a mentor to many student teachers from various institutions.

Johnson holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has served as Chair of Choral Affairs for NMEA and currently serves as Music Coordinator for District 2 of the NSAA. Johnson is also on the staff of the Nebraska Show Choir Camp and has served as an assistant conductor for several Midwest Honor Choir European tours.

Johnson has been honored with the H. Vaughn Phelps Excellence in Teaching Award, the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Schrager Foundation, the Lundquist Award for Excellence in Teaching and was also presented the inaugural BRAVO Award from the Westside Foundation. In 2012, he was honored as Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Music Educators Association and in 2016 received the Alan and Sandra Chapman Outstanding Director Award at Show Choir Nationals.

CHOREOGRAPHER of the All Iowa Show Choir, Mr. Stephen Todd

Stephen Todd is originally from Mitchell, South Dakota where he was a four-year member of "Friend de Coup" as well as the South Dakota All-State and Honors Choirs. He has a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Millikin University in Decatur, IL.

Stephen has had the privilege to star in many regional theaters around the country in shows such as Chicago, Footloose, Titanic, Forever Plaid, Pippin, Cabaret, Tick Tick Boom, And The World Goes Round, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Songs For A New World, and Singing In The Rain. He was also featured on the Broadway National Tour of Kiss Me, Kate and made his New York City debut in the reading of the new musical M. Claudel starring the legendary Eartha Kitt.

Stephen is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association. His choreography credits include show choirs in Nebraska, California, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and the East Coast. His choirs have received Best Choreography, Best Show Design awards along with Grand Champion.