Awards Chair
Susan Karels

School

Milbank School District
Milbank, SD 57252
605-432-6615 (ext. 137)
Susan.Karels@k12.sd.us

Education: 
  • B.M.E in instrumental/vocal music and a business education minor from Northern State University
    in Aberdeen, SD (1992)
  • Master’s Degree in conducting from the American Band College at Southern Oregon University in
    Ashland, OR (2000)
Experience: 
  • Milbank School District 1992-Present
    Currently 5-6 Band, 6 Spelling, 7 Computer
    Past experience included 7-12 Band
  • Guest conductor for instrumental music festivals 2002 & 2006
  • Instrumental and piano contest adjudicator 1995-Present
  • Church organist, accompanist, and choral director 1992-Present
  • Private music studio 1988-Present
Professional Organizations:
  • MENC/South Dakota Music Educators Association
  • South Dakota Bandmaster’s Association
  • National Guild of Piano Teachers
  • Phi Beta Mu
  • Sigma Alpha Iota
Overview:
  • SDMEA Awards Chair 2007-Present
  • SD Bandmasters & Region 3 Piano Contest site chair 1993-Present
  • Sigma Alpha Iota national undergraduate scholarship director 1997-2003
  • Sigma Alpha Iota Epsilon C Province Officer 1993-1997