The Daily News

Laurie Lekang fell into teaching music. Growing up, she only knew of two professions for women — teaching or nursing. Her three choices in teaching were home economics, English or music.

"I loved cooking, but I couldn't sew," Lekang said. "I loved to read, but when I realized I had to learn all about grammar, that was out. I felt I was good at music so I chose music."

Lekang grew up surrounded by music, playing often with her grandfather and uncle. Her grandfather played saxophone, clarinet and violin. Her uncle played saxophone. Lekang learned piano from her mother and also played saxophone.

Laurie Lekang started her career at North Dakota State College of Science in 1980 as the band director. Since then, she has found she learns from her students constantly. Lekang plays the saxophone and piano. She can play other instruments, but to varying degrees, she said. Advertisement

She attended a country school outside Campbell, Minn., through sixth grade and then graduated from Campbell School. As a junior she finally made up her mind to attend Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minn. Her inspiration to attend was the jazz band.

"The jazz band really pulled me in," she said. "I played in it for all four years." This encouraged her love for fun, energetic music, which she carries through to her teaching at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS).

She began her career at NDSCS in 1980 as the band director. She also taught piano lessons part time and directed stage band. Lekang is able to play every instrument, but "to what degree can I play, is the question," she said.

"I don't start with beginner students and many of my students teach me constantly," she added. Lekang served under Tilford Kroshus until his retirement. Then Lekang became the department chair.

"There is a huge learning curve," she said. "I know nothing about sound equipment and I'm always learning something about different instruments."

Her almost 30 year career at NDSCS has brought many fond memories, including teaching both her daughters, Sarah and Lara. She also has become very involved with the Wildcat Stage Band, which travels each year to perform for various high schools. Basically, they promote the college and what it has to offer, Lekang said. But it also shows students they can continue playing in band at a two year college.

"It shows them you don't have to quit band early," she said.

The stage band integrates simple choreography into its routine. "It's a challenge and [the students] laugh at me for teaching it.... Audiences listen with their eyes and ears," she said. Lekang admits it may seem silly choreographing a stage band performance, but it really gets the audience involved.

Lekang also directs concert band, which is more subdued than the stage band, but is still fun. Students from throughout the band department are in the Wildcat Marching Band, which performs in the annual Homecoming parade.

Lekang is constantly inspired by her students. They teach her something new every day. She feels she's done her job when a student excels, has fun and enjoys a fun song.

"I love my students," she said. "Every new song, every gifted student, the neat people I have. There's the occasional thorn, but the majority of my students are great."

Lekang lives in Wahpeton with her husband Paul, who teaches drafting at NDSCS.

Comments