Junior/Senior High School Staff: Susan Nelson

Singing through the Years

Honoring Mrs. Nelson

by Andy Leitner

October 16, 2006

School musical, concerts, Regional and State Contest, vocal lessons, and District and State Honor Choir are just some of the jobs that involve Susan Nelson.

Susan Nelson, the DCHS vocal teacher, has been teaching in Oberlin for 29 years. She "fell" into teaching and decided to teach choir since she was involved in music during high school. "I like seeing the progress the students make," said Mrs. Nelson about why she enjoys teaching.

Mrs. Nelson grew up in Laramie, Wyoming, and she never thought she would end up teaching in Oberlin, Kansas. But the principal at the time, Gordon Matson, was at a career fair in Wyoming and interviewed her.

"I think that her ability to showcase the talents of her students is amazing," said teacher Marlene Moxter.

Susan Nelson has directed 30 musicals, and she thinks that "Godspell" is her favorite.

She has made many sacrifices in her 29 years of teaching, and she said "I don't have enough time to spend with my family."

Mrs. Nelson has taught kindergarten music and is currently the manager of the DCHS concession stand.

After teaching for 29 years, surely some things have changed. "Students do a lot more in school and have less devotion to their activities," said Mrs. Nelson. "It's also hard to develop a successful class when there are so many different interests."

For years, Mrs. Nelson has had the largest class at DCHS; some years her choir is over 100 students, but she still gets her job done. Of course, there are challenges with such a large class. "The hardest thing is to get the students to settle down, concentrate, and to be quiet."

Mrs. Nelson has been recognized and awarded for her teaching. She has been the Educator of the Month and Northwest District Educator. Other recognitions she has received are Who's Who Among American Teachers, which she has received twice, American Choral Directors' Association (ACDA), KMEA District President, and District and State KMEA chairperson.

Her many hobbies include her pet dogs, her family, and gardening. Her family includes her husband Steve and daughter Makenzie, her father, who resides in Laramie, Wyoming, and her sister who lives in Omaha Nebraska.

Her favorite quote is "Bloom where you are planted," which relates to her teaching because she had no idea that she would teach in Oberlin.

"My advice for students is try to be involved; there aren't very many opportunities in college," she said.

"Mrs. Nelson is a dedicated music educator who tries to instill in her students a love for music by allowing them the opportunity to experience and perform different musical styles," said Mary Jo Lohoefener, accompanist for Mrs. Nelson and the DCHS choir. "Her ability to bring together a diversified group of singers into one outstanding choir is awesome."

"Mrs. Nelson has a great reputation for bringing out the best in kids," said colleague Brenda Breth. "I am amazed and proud every time I attend a DCHS concert or musical. She cares so much for her students, in and out of school, and for DCHS, which is why she volunteers to do all that she does."