Gene Wagner, Director

Gene Wagner has taught elementary, middle school, and high school music. He previously was the choral director at South Sioux City High School for 24 years. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music Education degrees. Besides being the director of the Music Academy @ First, he also directs the Jubilate Choir and the Celebration Bell Choir at First United Methodist Church.

Advisory Board

  • Jeff Buchman, First UMC Leadership Board Chair

  • Brian Cook, Briar Cliff University Representative

  • Julie Enockson, Regional President of Rosecrance Jackson Centers

  • Barry Enockson, Member at Large

  • Ryan Haskins, Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Representative

  • Brad Miedema, SCSO Youth Symphony Representative

  • Jody Nieuwendorp, Hunt Elementary General Music Representative

  • Eleanor May Patterson, Member at Large

  • Jeremy Owens, Resident Organist at Cathedral of the Epiphany

  • Neil Peck, Secretary & First UMC Staff Representative

  • Dr. Dave Sanderson, Music Education Specialist, USD Representative

  • Don Schenk, Member at Large

  • Jane Sibley, Member at Large