Music Alumni Profiles
Allaina Bush
Class of 2009
As an alumna of UE's music education program, Allaina Bush felt very prepared for her current position with a charter school organization. "Many of my colleagues completed only one or two observationbased internships before their student teaching experience. I completed three internships, two of which gave me experience actually teaching a class before my student teaching semester. I know the emphasis UE gives to these hands-on experiences has made me more comfortable in the classroom."
Gretchen Otness
Class of 2010
Gretchen Otness decided to study music education because her two great passions in life are music and children. "I always knew I would study music. It keeps me going day to day; it is my outlet and who I am. Since I come from a family of teachers, it was the best way to pair my two passions."
Gretchen believes that UE staff members create the foundation on which students build their college experience. "Professors from both the music and education departments were equally as welcoming whenever I needed their advice or help. They were always eager and open to making sure my education was the best it could be."
Timothy Weisman
Class of 2005
Timothy Weisman believes that many of his UE professors took an interest in helping him meet his goals. "From my very first meeting with Professor Doug Reed, 'career path' was always at the forefront, which is important in a highly competitive field such as music performance."
Timothy knows that his UE education prepared him well for graduate school. "I believe I had good training in the classroom, through private lessons, and even as a concert-goer in hearing faculty members and student colleagues perform." In addition to his course work, Timothy participated in undergraduate research where he presented his research on the relationship between historic French and modern American organ building at the 2005 National Conference for Undergraduate Research and studied abroad. "I spent two weeks visiting cathedrals in England and then traveled to France and Switzerland for a tour of various churches and cathedrals. These were both fantastic opportunities to be abroad and learn by studying and playing historic instruments."
After graduating from UE, Timothy began graduate work at the Yale School of Music completing a Master of Music in organ performance from the Yale School of Music and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and a Master in Divinity from Yale Divinity School and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. He is now a candidate for ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
Timothy Dickel
Class of 2002
Timothy Dickel came from Omaha, Nebraska, to study music education at the University of Evansville. He now serves as principal of Mater Dei High School in Evansville, Indiana. Previously, he served as the director of music and drama at Mater Dei and taught band, choir, and theatre.
As band director, Dickel led the Mater Dei Marching Wildcats in 2006 to their first appearance in the Indiana Marching Band State Finals. That same year, they became the smallest band to ever appear at state finals, with only nine winds, five percussion, and 13 auxiliary members. He has also led the Mater Dei Concert Choir to a Gold Rating at Organizational Contest and two first place finishes at the Holiday World Music Festival.
Dickel credits his University of Evansville education with providing a strong base for success. He appreciates the opportunity he had to perform in so many ensembles, including the University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and University Choir. Some of his favorite memories at UE involve international experiences, such as studying at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, and performing in Russia with the University Choir. "I left UE with a strong foundation in music and pedagogical skills and an understanding of the work ethic necessary for success after college. I truly appreciate the amount of time I was able to spend directly with my professors. They provided guidance and encouragement when it was needed most."
