
Program Leaders

Piano Lessons
Dr. Nathan Birkholz
Nathan holds his DMA degree from the University of Illinois after studying pedagogy with degrees from Indiana and Northern Illinois Universities.
A winner of top prizes in several competitions across the country, Nathan is staff pianist for Lawrence University having previously served on the piano faculty at UIUC and Ripon College.

Summer Chamber Music
Laura Kenney Henckel
Laura is principal cellist with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and instructor with St.Francis Xavier High School and the Lawrence Community Music School. With a masters degree in cello performance from the University of Michigan, Laura performs frequently across the US and has led this program since its founding for The School.

Fox River Chamber Fest
Joseph Hauer
Founder of the Fox River Chamber Fest, Joseph is staff pianist for the Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy. He holds a masters degree from NYU Steinhardt in piano performance following undergraduate studies at Oberlin College. He performs regularly across the country as a featured soloist and chamber music musician.

Summer Interns
Sarah Bauer
A graduate of Luther College in Decorah, IA, Sarah leads FELC's summer interns in their ministry & service to children and youth of the community. She holds a degree in music education having student taught elementary and orchestral music in the Appleton area district. Sarah is currently a student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer previously.