Voices from the District – Spring 2026

A Life Full of Song

Randi Erlandson

ACDA-MN Metro West District Chair

April 2026

I recently came across a story on KARE-11 which featured Mary Conklin. Mary has served her Winnebago, MN church for decades as their organist. When asked why she continues her music ministry at her age, she said, “I just love to play. If I get started, I don’t want to quit.” What spirited words from a woman who is 103 years young! Mary is not unique. For many folks, being a lifelong musician is the core to their existence. They don’t do it solely for the service of others – they do it for their own benefit as well.

In my own life I’ve had great examples of people for whom music is an essential part of their lifelong journey. From 1995 – 1999 I sang in the church choir at First Reformed Church in Mitchell, South Dakota. I sang under the leadership of Wayne Klinger who was there from 1969 – 2025. Wayne’s passion for music has always been deeply rooted. In his younger years he was a music educator in the small town of Tripp, South Dakota. Though his career path would take him away from the classroom, it could never take him away from his two lifelong passions: music and praising God. Music is something he can’t do without and he has made it a goal to ensure that throughout his life, no matter the circumstances, music is present.

Wayne moved with his young family to Mitchell in 1969, and that same year he founded the senior choir at First Reformed Church. The choir was a few dedicated and faithful singers, many of whom had been part of the congregation since the church was chartered in June of 1958. Wayne thought he would be in this role for a few years before turning over the baton to someone else. Yet Wayne realized that where God and music intersected, he could channel his natural musical abilities, strong leadership traits, and his love for God into a ministry that would impact the faith journey of hundreds of singers and thousands of congregants. He spent years building a library of over 500 choral titles, each chosen with great care and thought for the message it contained as much as the beauty of the music itself. He worked tirelessly to connect with members of the congregation, and  he always seemed to find a new voice to add to the choir by the time those casual Sunday morning conversations were done. Those congregants thought they’d give choir a try to see if they liked it but years later, many are still there, fostering their connection to music and singing in harmony with the example of their steadfast leader.

Wayne’s musical journey hasn’t always been easy. Wednesday night rehearsals from 8:00-9:00pm, singing for worship two Sundays a month, and performing two concerts a year is alot for any director to manage, especially when that role isn’t their “day job”. Even a pair of heart attacks in 2012 didn’t prevent him from conducting the spring concert a few weeks later, much to the apprehension of his wife, Janet, and his choir members. Hip replacements, back surgeries, and other health problems surfaced over time, all of which required Wayne step back, though only partially and temporarily. The COVID-19 pandemic paused the group until the world learned how to sing safely. Through it all, Wayne was steady, working to keep the music going. When the world needed music more than ever, Wayne was there.

In 2025, after an incredible tenure at the podium, Wayne was ready to retire. 56 years after he saw a need for a choir, he was finally ready to step aside and give the ensemble that he started, nurtured, and loved to a new director. As to why it took so long for him to retire, some might contend that it’s hard to find church choir directors and therefore finding a suitable replacement was a challenging endeavor. Others would insist Wayne loved it too much to let it go. Regardless, thanks to his example and dedication, the music continues at First Reformed Church, as strong as ever. He didn’t disappear with retirement and he’s still singing with the choir he retired from directing. In a world that has changed dramatically over the past half century, the musical constant at FRC has always been Wayne. He never accepted monetary compensation for his work and is quick to deflect any accolades, consistently working to ensure that glory was given to God for the ministry he created in that small church back in 1969. He saw his time and dedication to the music ministry at First Reformed as an offering to the church and to God. As far as I’m concerned, Wayne himself is the gift. He’s an inspiration on why it’s important to be a lifelong musician.

I was a member of Wayne’s choir from 1995-1999, and I learned from him that there are no limits when it comes to one’s ability to make music throughout their life. If you have the desire, opportunities exist. More importantly, there are people to support and foster others through their musical  journey. What becomes most important is to make music to improve the quality of life for ourselves and others. I channel so much of what he taught me into directing my own church choir. As I look at my choir members, a few of whom have been part of the ensemble for well over 30 years, I realize that they are a part of my own lifelong musical journey. I’m honored and privileged to be part of theirs.

May the music of our hearts be sent into the world for as long as possible. The world needs a song–so let us share it loudly and boldly!

About the Author

Mrs. Erlandson obtained her bachelor’s degree in Music Education (choral emphasis) from the University of South Dakota in 2003 and her master’s degree in Music Education (choral emphasis) from the University of St. Thomas in 2009.  She has just begun her 15th year of teaching and has taught 6-12 Vocal and Classroom Music in Cherokee, IA, Glencoe, MN, and Prior Lake, MN where she currently teaches and directs Treble Choir, Varsity Choir, and Women’s Chorale at Prior Lake High School.  In addition to her teaching duties, she teaches piano lessons and serves as organist and Chancel Choir director at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church in Prior Lake.