This week’s highlighted MHS graduate is Joe Kneer. I’ve known Joe since he was in my seventh grade reading class and we have continued to stay in touch through the years. Thus we were able to get this article completed easily through texts and emails.
We started right in with one of Joe’s most meaningful highlights from his years in elementary school. Perhaps one of his most influential educators wasn’t a district teacher at all. Lin Strong, his first violin teacher, became an inspiration for Joe. According to him, she was (and still is) an incredible motivator and musician. She continues to this day to inspire Joe on a human level. In the many Suzuki tours she led in the US. and overseas, Mrs. Strong incorporated a great deal of additional repertoire that supplemented her students’ training. “If it were not for her, I might have quit violin in late elementary school.” When her husband died recently, Joe wrote, “I think sending her my story with that in mind would be a nice way to acknowledge and thank her.”
In Joe’s words, “I thought we had a great education and many excellent, passionate teachers at MHS. I’m so grateful for all they did to inspire and help us grow. There were so many teachers at Menomonie High School, Middle School, as well as North and Cedar Falls Elementary who made a big impact on my growth and learning.” (This paragraph contains my favorite remark from Joe. You’ll know why when you read it)! “And, of course, I couldn’t leave out YOU, Mrs. Foust. I still remember you dressing up and reading us stories the week of Halloween and encouraging and celebrating each student’s creativity, whether it was in poetry, prose, or simply reading.”
“Another great memory happened when I went on a camping trip with (my wife) Lydia this past weekend. I thought of, I kid you not, Mr. Soha (seventh grade science teacher) and one of his infamous assignments at the Environmental Site. We were required to estimate the tree density in a certain area of the forest with very few hints or instructions. Wow! I remember looking at my friends and thinking, ‘How the heck are we supposed to do THAT?’ At about the same time, he made us create a family tree for the song ‘I’m My Own Grandpa!’ I’m not sure that I had any other teacher who pushed us to be more independent, critical, and self-sufficient in our thinking.”
He has many great memories of his four years in high school. He participated in Basketball, Tennis, Cross Country, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. One memory was of going to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison with Marching Band for the 2002 state Football championship…which MHS went on to win.
When asked about his class, Joe replied, “I thought our graduating class was a smart, ambitious, talented, and kind group.” (He was one of four valedictorians in his graduating class).
After high school, Joe’s educational pursuits focused solely on his life goal—music. He studied at the esteemed Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, OH, where he earned a BM degree in violin performance. Then at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, MD, he earned both a MM degree (violin and music theory) and a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degree in violin. He also studied orchestral conducting at various festivals and on the job. It was while at Peabody that Joe met his wife Lydia, a classical singer (soprano).
With his music degrees completed, it was now time for teaching and conducting. (Joe offered a side note on leaving Baltimore, “I miss the crab cakes!)” He taught violin and music theory for four years at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. In 2016, Joe and Lydia moved to San Antonio, TX, for full-time teaching at Trinity University. Entering his tenth year there, Joe is now an Associate Professor of Music.
Joe also conducts the Trinity Symphony and serves as the Music Director of Symphony Viva (“a wonderful San Antonio community orchestra that performs orchestra-only and ballet performances throughout the year).”
Besides conducting, Joe uses his training and experiences in performance. He is a violinist with various groups and in recitals. This month Joe will have an amazing opportunity to travel to Taiwan for a series of concerts and masterclasses. In addition, he composes for orchestra, choir, and solo voice (including a recent commissioned choral work titled “To Hope” for the Menomonie Singers). His current goal is to become a music director for a professional orchestra while continuing to teach.
After 10 years, it looks like Joe and Lydia may stay in San Antonio for a while. Lydia also teaches music at the University of Texas-San Antonio.
When the Kneers aren’t involved in music, they love to travel and enjoy time together with their dog Rosa. They both especially appreciate the culture and food of San Antonio. Other activities include occasional golf, tennis, ping pong, and hiking. “Avoiding the heat and humidity is another important activity (or non-activity),” says Joe, adding “you can’t beat a good Wisconsin summer.”
Joe closed with this heartwarming statement: “I think Menomonie was a great town to grow up in, and I still enjoy visiting my parents (Mike and Becky) and friends as often as I can.”
We’re so glad that Joe has kept in touch with his Menomonie family and friends. He has done us all proud!
Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected]. NOTE: Judy will be taking a break next week but return to this column the following week.
