Hastings Community Music Academy
musicacademydirector@gmail.com
(402) 519-4711
Classes held at First Presbyterian Church 621 N. Lincoln Ave. Hastings, NE 68901
A Note from the Executive Director
For the last several years, I pondered the possibility of creating a space in this community where anyone, regardless of musical experience or ability, would have a place to participate in a music ensemble or class of their choosing. Through the generous work of folks at First Presbyterian Church and the greater Hastings community, these ponderings have taken shape in the form of the Hastings Community Music Academy. I am thankful for all of the thoughts, questions, and brainstorming sessions that went into making this dream a reality, and I am honored to work alongside a multitude of brilliant and passionate people.
Though our programming has started small, the possibilities are limitless, and I am excited to work with other creative people in the community to implement new music opportunities. I believe strongly in the importance of music, and in using it as a tool to bring people together. Even after our first class in October 2021, new connections were made and friendships were formed between people who originally came together as strangers. My hope is that people will continue to try something new, participate in a class, and leave with more than they came in with.
Thank you for your support and curiosity.
Hannah Jensen-Heitmann - Executive Director
Hannah Jensen-Heitmann - Executive Director
Hannah Jensen-Heitmann has been creating and performing music her whole life, and holds degrees in piano performance and music education from Hastings College. Hannah shares her love of music with more than 60 private piano, guitar, and ukulele students through her private studio, Hannah’s Piano Studio LLC. When not teaching private lessons, she can be found accompanying the Adams Central choirs. Outside of Hastings, Hannah has taught music in many areas of the Dominican Republic, and was a head instructor at P.L.A.Y. Music at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Hannah also writes and performs original music and her most recent studio album, Light as the Air, is available on all major platforms.
Hannah is excited about the purpose and future of the Hastings Community Music Academy, and looks forward to creating, working, and sharing music with others.
Catherine Biba - Board Member
Dr. Catherine Biba is an Assistant Professor of History at Hastings College. A native of Geneva, Nebraska, she earned her BA in English and History from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before earning her MA and PhD in History from Cornell University. In addition to teaching in the classroom, Dr. Biba loves having the opportunity to speak to the public about American history, and has spoken at the Nebraska Chautauqua, First Presbyterian Church (Hastings), and Hastings Museum's "Spirits and Interesting People" event. In 2018, she appeared on Jeopardy and defeated a six-time champ. When not doing history, she enjoys stories that didn't actually happen (ie: reading fiction), sewing quilts and clothing, traveling extensively, and watching The Great British Bake-Off on pretty much a permanent loop.
Kay Georgiana - Board Member
It’s a pleasure to be serving on the Hastings Community Music Academy. I represent the First Presbyterian Church and report to the session of our church. I’m currently a Trustee for the church, but recently served as an active Elder. I have served on several local boards including TeamMates and the Maryland Living Center. I have a master’s degree in business and finance and graduated from Hastings College with a Bachelor of Music degree. I taught music and band at Trumbull Consolidated schools and most recently worked for Principal Financial Group with my office in Hastings.
Lindsey Kluver - Board Member
Lindsey Kluver has been interested in the arts her whole life. While a student at Hastings College, she double majored in Studio Art and Religion. Since then, she has continued to have a passion for finding intersections between the arts and religion. Lindsey has a Master's in Theology and the Arts from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, and is currently a Plant Controller at Thermo King in Hastings.
Since moving back to Clay County, she finds her pursuits to be more engaged in rural life, the arts, and spirit. With two young kids, she is excited to be involved in an organization that is working to create multigenerational engagement opportunities through various programs - both to participate in and enjoy.
Hugo Madera - Board Member
Hugo Madera is the Director of Choirs at Minden High School, where he serves as conductor of the Minden Concert Choir, Madrigal, and Amethyst Show Choir. In addition, he serves as general music educator at CL Jones Middle School in Minden, Nebraska, where he teaches vocal music, music appreciation, and adaptive music. Mr. Madera is an avid composer and arranger of a variety of choral music, including, but not limited to, children chorus, mixed choir, men chorus, college-a-Capella, and show choir.
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Hugo Madera has become an enthusiastic advocate of public school music education and the diversification of the choral repertoire. He has conducted independent studies in the field of Latin American composers and works of Hispanic descent. In addition, Mr. Madera is also the current music director at First United Methodist Church in Hastings and will soon become the director of the Minden City Singers in Minden, Nebraska.
Mr. Madera holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Hastings College.
Jenni Welsch - Board Member
Jenni received her M.A. in English Literature from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and now teaches English Composition courses remotely for both Bellevue University and Central Community College – Hastings. She is also a certified yoga and prenatal yoga teacher. Now a part-time instructor and full-time mother of five, Jenni is also a lifelong lover of music who knows how a song can land just right and turn around an entire moment or mood. While she learned violin and piano as a child and played trumpet through secondary school, she is best known these days for DJing kitchen dance parties for her music-obsessed kids who are currently the ones taking music lessons of a wide variety.