Concordia-Chicago welcomes new instructor of music, Wind Symphony director

Concordia University Chicago is pleased to announce the appointment of Johanna Anderson as instructor of music and Wind Symphony director. Anderson joins the University’s music faculty this month, bringing a wealth of experience as a conductor, educator, and mentor.

In her role at Concordia-Chicago, Anderson will teach courses in music and music education and will lead the University’s Wind Symphony. She will also engage in recruitment efforts for the music program and collaborate with faculty and staff in growing and maintaining a vibrant, Christ-centered community.

“After an extensive and thoughtful search, the music faculty agreed that Professor Johanna Anderson is the best fit for our program. We are excited to support her as she leads the Wind Symphony and works with current and future music students, guiding our instrumental program into a bright and promising future,” said Dr. Charles Brown, professor of music, Music program lead, and chair of CUC’s Division of Arts.

Anderson comes to CUC after a decade of service at Concordia University Wisconsin, where she served as associate director of instrumental music. Her responsibilities included directing the University Band, Falcon Pep Band, and Drumline; assistant directing the Symphonic Wind Ensemble; teaching woodwind techniques; supervising music student teachers; and coordinating the music department’s recruitment efforts. She also currently conducts the Lakeshore Symphonic Band, a community ensemble based in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

A graduate of Concordia-Wisconsin herself with a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 Music Education and Spanish Education, Anderson later earned a Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University and is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Her research focuses on the mentorship of female band directors. Anderson is a member of Women Band Directors International.

“I am truly honored to join the CUC community. I am excited to get to know all the students, staff, and faculty, and I am looking forward to making music with them,” Anderson said. “The music department has a storied history, and I am blessed to now be a part of that legacy. I am grateful to teach at a university that understands the importance of music and for the opportunity to use my God-given musical gifts and talents to serve God and students.”

Anderson’s primary instruments are oboe, English horn, and alto saxophone; her secondary instruments are viola and trumpet. She is fluent in Spanish and frequently serves as a guest clinician at area schools. She and her husband, John, have two cats, Winston and Leo.

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