Afton Enervold Woetzel
Afton Enervold Woetzel
Academy of Music
Faculty Instructor: Piano, Harp
Afton is a dedicated music educator with a music degree in Harp Performance from the University of Northwestern St. Paul and over seven years of teaching experience. Her faith in Jesus plays a central role in her passion for music, and she strives to glorify God through her teaching and performances. Afton is committed to cultivating a love of music in students of all ages, focusing on creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Known for her friendly, supportive teaching style, Afton creates a positive, welcoming environment where students feel encouraged to grow. She values strong communication and works closely with parents to ensure the best learning experience.
In addition to teaching, Afton is an active harpist, performing with orchestras, at church services and at various gigs in the Twin Cities area.
Matthew Wilson, M.M.
Adjunct Faculty
M.M. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
B.M. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
CONTACT INFORMATION
6516315218
Professor Wilson is a member of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and has also been Principal Horn of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra from 2012–2017, Acting Associate Principal Horn with the Minnesota Orchestra for the 2021-22 season and on their 2016 European tour, guest Principal or Associate Principal Horn with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Florida Orchestra and the South Dakota Symphony, and has had engagements with the Colorado Symphony and The Phantom of the Opera Broadway touring company. He has also been Principal Horn of the Crested Butte Musical Festival for several years and will be performing at the Music in the Mountains festival in Durango, CO this summer.
Wilson received his undergraduate degree from University of Northwestern – St. Paul and his Masters of Music degree from the University of Minnesota.
Lucas Shogren
Adjunct Faculty
M.M. Colorado State University
B.M., B.M.E. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
CONTACT INFORMATION
Professor Shogren has toured internationally as a chamber musician and given numerous solo performances, showcasing both original works and standard cello repertoire. He is the cellist and co-composer for Clocks & Clouds, a group that has fused classical and rock styles to create an exciting and innovative performance experience, inspiring audiences across the country.
In addition to performing, Shogren is an accomplished composer, having been commissioned to create music for various ensembles. He serves as the executive producer for Good Courage Music Productions, where he composes and produces material for television and film. His music has been published with Wingert-Jones Publications, Carl Fischer Music, and In the Groove Music.
Mr. Shogren is an experienced educator, currently serving as a high school orchestra director and conductor of the Repertory Orchestra with Minnesota Youth Symphonies. In 2019, he received The Master Teacher: School Orchestra Award from the Minnesota String & Orchestra Teachers Association.
Shogren holds a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, as well as a Master of Music in Conducting from Colorado State University.
Benjamin Yats, D.M.A.
Adjunct Faculty
D.M.A. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Performer’s Certificate, University of Denver
M.M. Central Michigan University
B.M. Central Michigan University
CONTACT INFORMATION
Originally from Michigan, Benjamin Yats has traveled around the country chasing his passion for performing and teaching percussion music of all kinds, as well as sharing his belief that “Music Makes Life More Beautiful.” As an orchestral percussionist, he has performed with the Colorado Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, Boulder Symphony, Arapahoe Philharmonic, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Beloit-Janesville Symphony, and other regional orchestras. He is also passionate about drum set, and has performed as a worship drummer in Colorado and Wisconsin, performed numerous times with the Capital City Theatre in Madison, and performed professionally with various high school musical productions. Additional passions include Indian Classical music, Irish Trad Sessions, Electronic Music, the Marching Arts, and more.
Benjamin also works at the St. Paul Conservatory of Music, where his focus has been on educational outreach, and at Wayzata Highschool where he directs the Percussion Ensemble, instructs the drum line, and teaches private lessons.
Dr. Yats earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Central Michigan University, a Performer’s Certificate from University of Denver, and a D.M.A. from University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Sheri Peterson
Nurse
Trent Morrell
President, Morrell Transfer