Sarah Bernard-Stevens Arrangeur

Sarah Bernard-Stevens currently serves as director of the Wind Ensemble and Coyote Pep Band, as well as Bassoon Instructor at Kansas Wesleyan University. During her time at Wesleyan, both ensembles under her direction have seen tremendous growth and increased creative output. Sarah is active in the area as a bassoonist and performs as principal bassoonist with the Salina Symphony Orchestra and the Bethany Oratorio Society.

Sarah holds degrees in Music Education (Magna cum Laude) and Russian Language from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While at Nebraska, Sarah participated in the University's Honor Program and completed her undergraduate thesis, "The Young Person's Guide to the Bassoon", a reference book for young bassoonists who do not have a bassoon teacher. Sarah received her Master's degree in Music with an emphasis on instrumental conducting from Kansas State University. While at Kansas State, Sarah conducted the Concert Band, Brass Ensemble and the Volleyball and Basketball 'Cat Bands as well as assisted with teaching and organizing the Sudler Trophy-winning Pride of Wildcat Land K-State Marching Band. Sarah was invited to join the Phi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society for maintaining a perfect grade point average during her graduate study. Prior to her current appointment, Sarah has taught at Fort Riley Middle School in Fort Riley, Kansas.

Sarah has composed and conducted the premieres of several pieces for band and orchestra. Her orchestral arrangement of the Russian folk song, Kalinka, was published by Grand Mesa Music Publishers and was performed at the 2010 Midwest Music Clinic - the nation's largest music educator's convention. Kalinka was also awarded an "Editor's Choice" designation by The Instrumentalist Magazine. Sarah's other compositions have been performed by the Salina Symphony, the K-State Concert Band, the University of Nebraska Concert Band and by several Kansas school music programs. Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Kansas Bandmaster's Association, Tau Beta Sigma and Phi Kappa Lambda.