Dr. Brent Nolte has joined Ohio Christian University (OCU) as the new Music Department chair. He will teach Music History and Music Appreciation.
Previously, Nolte served as Music Department Chair and College Organist at Talladega College where he taught courses in music theory and played the organ for convocations and commencement. Talladega College is located in Talladega, AL, and is a private, SACS-accredited, liberal arts college. Nolte also served at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, as an adjunct organ and brass instructor. Earlier, he was band and chorus director for St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Saginaw, MI.
Nolte holds a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from Central Michigan University, where he studied with Dr. Steven Egler. His master’s project, “The Organ Music and Musical Philosophy of Chares W. Ore,” was published in the March 2003 edition of The American Organist. In 2010, Brent was awarded a School of Music Fellowship by the University of Minnesota, where he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance Degree in 2013, studying with Dr. Dean Billmeyer.
In addition to playing and teaching organ, Nolte plays and teaches trumpet, recently performing in the Rochester, Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Minnesota State University Orchestra, and St. Cloud, Minnesota Orchestra. He anticipates joining Ohio’s chapter of American Guild of Organists, the Central Ohio Brass Band, and the Circleville Pumpkin Show Band.
Dr. Nolte’s plan for the upcoming academic year includes launching a Bachelor of Music degree and the department is planning to offer a Suzuki Method major.
“Students need not be Music majors to participate in the University chorale and band. We are eager to establish a small brass band and chamber woodwind/reed instrument ensemble,” explains Nolte. “Dr. Sones and I are collaborating to strengthen the Worship Leadership program. And, of course, the Music Department will draw on community performers to ensure the University’s traditional Festival of Carols continues being a signature event.”
Articles of Interest
Jazz Ambassadors Concert CANCELED (due to COVID-19 concerns)
Published: February 28, 2020
In compliance with Governor DeWine's announcement (3/12/20) concerning
coronavirus precautions and a ban prohibiting mass gatherings of more than
100 people, Ohio Christian University has canceled the April 4 Jazz
Ambassadors concert that was scheduled in the Ministry & Performing Arts
center on campus.
To ensure that information provided to all staff, faculty, students, family
members, and community members be the most up to date, Ohio Christian
University launched a Center for Coronavirus Updates on the university
website.
In compliance with Governor DeWine's announcement (3/12/20) concerning
coronavirus precautions and a ban prohibiting mass gatherings of more than
100 people, Ohio Christian University has canceled the April 4 Jazz
Ambassadors concert that was scheduled in the Ministry
In compliance with Governor DeWine's announcement (3/12/20) concerning
coronavirus precautions and a ban prohibiting mass gatherings of more than
100 people, Ohio Christian University has canceled
Audition Day for Performing Arts Scholarships
Published: January 28, 2020
The Ohio Christian University Department of Music is holding a Performing
Arts Audition Day following Scholars Day on February 29th to allow
prospective students to audition for a Performing Arts Scholarship.
High school seniors and juniors and incoming transfer students planning to
major in one of the Music programs or those who just plan to participate in
Band, Orchestra, Choir and/or Theater are all invited to audition.
“We are proud to offer significant scholarships to music and worship
leadership majors, and to any student who participates in our performing arts
activities,” said
The Ohio Christian University Department of Music is holding a Performing
Arts Audition Day following Scholars Day on February 29th to allow
prospective students to audition for a Performing Arts Scholarship.
High school seniors and juniors and incoming transfer students planning to
major in one of the Music programs or those who just plan to participate in
Band, Orchestra, Choir and/or
The Ohio Christian University Department of Music is holding a Performing
Arts Audition Day following Scholars Day on February 29th to allow
prospective students to audition for a Performing Arts
Festival of Carols Shares Message of Christ
Published: December 10, 2019
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to audiences of almost 500 on both Dec.
7 and 8 in the Ministry
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to audiences of almost 500 on both Dec.
7 and 8 in the Ministry
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to
Band and Vocal Students Among the 'Stars and the Moon'
Published: November 8, 2019
In 1969, Apollo 11 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,
carrying what would soon be the first men to ever set foot on the Moon. Ohio
Christian University will celebrate this historic event with a concert titled
Stars and the Moon, featuring Ohio Christian’s band and vocal students. The
show will lift off on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Ministry
In 1969, Apollo 11 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,
carrying what would soon be the first men to ever set foot on the Moon. Ohio
Christian University will celebrate this historic event with a concert titled
Stars and the Moon, featuring Ohio Christian’s band and vocal students. The
show will lift off on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Ministry
In 1969, Apollo 11 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,
carrying what would soon be the first men to ever set foot on the Moon. Ohio
Christian University will celebrate this
Orchestra Shares Gospel Through Music in Japan
Published: November 8, 2019
This summer, Ohio Christian University’s orchestra went on its third
mission trip to Japan. From Jul. 29 to Aug. 17, students had the opportunity
to share not only their musical talents but their passion for spreading the
gospel.
The orchestra directors, Roger and Linda Stieg, completed their graduate work
at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan. After graduation, the
Steigs were asked to come back to play some concerts. They agreed to return,
hoping to be an example of how God can use even musical talent to help
fulfill the Great Commission. Found in Matthew 28, the
This summer, Ohio Christian University’s orchestra went on its third
mission trip to Japan. From Jul. 29 to Aug. 17, students had the opportunity
to share not only their musical talents but their passion for spreading the
gospel.
The orchestra directors, Roger and Linda Stieg, completed their graduate work
at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan. After graduation, the
Steigs
This summer, Ohio Christian University’s orchestra went on its third
mission trip to Japan. From Jul. 29 to Aug. 17, students had the opportunity
to share not only their musical talents but their
Archived Articles of Interest
ABLAZE - 2018 Summer Tour!
Published: June 12, 2018
Ohio Christian University's ABLAZE student ministry minstrel group will be
performing in Indiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio on these dates at the
following CCCU churches and summer camps, where OCU students are also serving
as camp counselors:
June 10: Community Wesleyan Church, Athens, OH
June 17: Hartsville Church of Christ, Harstville, IN
June 17: Chillicothe Paints Baseball Game, Chillicothe, OH (singing the
national anthem at 6:05 p.m.)
June 19: General CCCU Council, Circleville, OH
June 20-23: Teens of Praise Camp, Circleville, OH
June 24-28: Bible Camp, Maysville
Ohio Christian University's ABLAZE student ministry minstrel group will be
performing in Indiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio on these dates at the
following CCCU churches and summer camps, where OCU students are also serving
as camp counselors:
June 10: Community Wesleyan Church, Athens, OH
June 17: Hartsville Church of Christ, Harstville, IN
June 17: Chillicothe Paints Baseball
Ohio Christian University's ABLAZE student ministry minstrel group will be
performing in Indiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio on these dates at the
following CCCU churches and summer camps,
Grand Piano Donated to the Music Department
Published: March 13, 2018
Local resident and friend of Ohio Christian University, Mr. Harry Canfield
donated a beautiful Baldwin Model L grand piano to the University’s Music
Department. According to Mr. Canfield, the piano was his wife Eileen’s
favorite piano.
Eileen was a lifelong pianist who blessed many in her church as well as local
nursing homes with her piano playing. A bronze plaque fixed to the
instrument states the following sentiment, “This piano was a source of
hours of listening pleasure for many of us and was Eileen Canfield’s prized
possession. ‘To God Be The Glory’.”
Canfield’s decision to
Local resident and friend of Ohio Christian University, Mr. Harry Canfield
donated a beautiful Baldwin Model L grand piano to the University’s Music
Department. According to Mr. Canfield, the piano was his wife Eileen’s
favorite piano.
Eileen was a lifelong pianist who blessed many in her church as well as local
nursing homes with her piano playing. A bronze plaque fixed to the
instrument
Local resident and friend of Ohio Christian University, Mr. Harry Canfield
donated a beautiful Baldwin Model L grand piano to the University’s Music
Department. According to Mr. Canfield, the
OCU Aesthetic Club Hosts Worship Night
Published: February 27, 2018
By Amber Ginter
OCU Aesthetic Club, Movements from the Heart, hosted their first annual
Worship Night in the new Ministry and Performing Arts Center on Friday,
February 23. The performance comprised four choreographed routines, music
from Michelle Martin and Kyle Benecke, a ‘spoken word’ by Gerald
Mershimer, and a message by Tyler Freeman.
Featuring Amber Ginter and Anna Hambrick with paired members Amber
Ginter/Eric Fahrer, Anna Hambrick/Phillip Goodson, Faith Monaghan/Ian
Monaghan, Hannah Hostetler/Stephen Kibble, and Noelle Reif/Davi Pereira, the
club perfected a god-honoring
By Amber Ginter
OCU Aesthetic Club, Movements from the Heart, hosted their first annual
Worship Night in the new Ministry and Performing Arts Center on Friday,
February 23. The performance comprised four choreographed routines, music
from Michelle Martin and Kyle Benecke, a ‘spoken word’ by Gerald
Mershimer, and a message by Tyler Freeman.
Featuring Amber Ginter and Anna Hambrick with
By Amber Ginter
OCU Aesthetic Club, Movements from the Heart, hosted their first annual
Worship Night in the new Ministry and Performing Arts Center on Friday,
February 23. The performance
2017 Festival of Carols Performed in New Ministry and Performing Arts Center
Published: December 3, 2017
Over 950 Christmas celebrants attended Ohio Christian University’s 2017
Festival of Carols performed for the first time on December 2nd and 3rd in
the University’s new Ministry and Performing Arts Center! In the future,
the Center will be used for the community as well as OCU events.
Produced as a gift to the community, the University Chorale, Chamber Singers,
Circleville Community Choral Society, and Festival Orchestra beautifully
realized this year’s What Can I Give? theme. Instead of focusing on what we
receive in this Christmas season, Dr. Bennett focused on paying forward with
Over 950 Christmas celebrants attended Ohio Christian University’s 2017
Festival of Carols performed for the first time on December 2nd and 3rd in
the University’s new Ministry and Performing Arts Center! In the future,
the Center will be used for the community as well as OCU events.
Produced as a gift to the community, the University Chorale, Chamber Singers,
Circleville Community Choral
Over 950 Christmas celebrants attended Ohio Christian University’s 2017
Festival of Carols performed for the first time on December 2nd and 3rd in
the University’s new Ministry and Performing Arts
Student Profile: Kyle Benecke Leaves Comfort Zone
Published: August 27, 2019
Junior Kyle Benecke has a slew of rising talents. While being on Sports Link
and starring in Track and Cross Country, Kyle maintains superior academic
standing. One may think this cool kid with the Mohawk can't possibly do
anything else. But, when asked about some of his favorite activities, Kyle
brings up his band, Leaving Cardboard Houses, as if it were nothing.
Serving as lead singer, songwriter, and ukulele player, Kyle and drummer
Chris Volzke make up the band. Although they are just two, they sure know
how to fill a stage with musical presence. Writing, producing, managing, and
Junior Kyle Benecke has a slew of rising talents. While being on Sports Link
and starring in Track and Cross Country, Kyle maintains superior academic
standing. One may think this cool kid with the Mohawk can't possibly do
anything else. But, when asked about some of his favorite activities, Kyle
brings up his band, Leaving Cardboard Houses, as if it were nothing.
Serving as lead singer,
Junior Kyle Benecke has a slew of rising talents. While being on Sports Link
and starring in Track and Cross Country, Kyle maintains superior academic
standing. One may think this cool kid with the
