About KPS Orchestra
Welcome to the Kearney Public Schools Orchestra website! The vision of KPS is to "provide a safe, supportive learning community that empowers students to become problem-solvers, engaged citizens, and compassionate people who own their future". Music is the medium through which we encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. Music promotes empathy and compassion. Our program begins in the 5th grade and lasts through high school. KPS Orchestras consistently receive outstanding ratings at music contests, and have received countless awards throughout the years.
Inspire and empower students
to impact the world
About Matthew Dahlke - Kearney High School Director
Mr. Matthew Dahlke serves as the Kearney High Orchestra Director, leading the Select Camerata, Symphonic, and Concert Orchestras. A Kearney High graduate, Mr. Dahlke holds a degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he studied Viola, Exercise Science, and Mathematics. Mr. Dahlke has extensive experience performing with a variety of musical ensembles, including the UNL Opera, chamber ensembles, UNL Symphony Orchestra, Kearney Symphony Orchestra, and Hastings Symphony Orchestra. Outside of music, he enjoys composing music for orchestra and competing in triathlons.
To contact Mr. Dahlke, please email matdahlke@kearneycats.com.
About Jeana Peterson - Sunrise Middle School Director
Mrs. Peterson has been teaching since 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a Masters degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska Kearney. Mrs. Peterson teaches 5th grade orchestra at each of the 9 elementary schools, 6th and 7th grade at Horizon and Sunrise Middle School, and assists with the Kearney High School orchestra programs. She holds a Level 1 Certification in Paul Rolland Pedagogy. She is currently the Newsletter Editor and Webmaster for the Nebraska American String Teacher Association and serves as Vice Chair on the National ASTA K-12 Committee. She is a member of the Hastings Symphony Orchestra and Hastings Symphony String Quartet.
Since she is in multiple buildings each day, the best way to contact her is by email at jeapeterson@kearneycats.com
About Morgan Semerad - Horizon Middle School
Since she is in multiple buildings each day, the best way to contact her is by email at morsemerad@kearneycats.com