Staff

 

Craig Johnson is dean of the School of Music at North Park University. Previously, he was chairperson and professor of music in the department of music at Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio, where he had been on the faculty since 1980. He holds degrees from Northwestern University and the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. He has also had a parallel career in church music, most recently serving as director of music at North Community Lutheran Church in Columbus, and teaching graduate choral conducting at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, also in Columbus. Choirs under Dr. Johnson’s direction have sung at conferences of the Ohio Music Education Association, the Ohio Choral Director’s Association, the Central Division of the American Choral Director’s Association, and the Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Conference. He co-authored The Chorus in Opera: A Guide to the Repertory, and is active as a clinician, adjudicator, and consultant. He is a former president of the Ohio Choral Directors Association, and received the OCDA Distinguished Service Award in 2010. He serves the National Association of Schools of Music as an evaluation team member and leader, and as a newly elected member of the Commission on Accreditation. He is married to Cass, associate director of admission at DePaul University; they have two daughters — Elizabeth, who works for Google in Chicago, and Maria, a sixth-grade math teacher in Atlanta.

 

Rebecca Olthafer is Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Operations and Music Recruiter at North Park University School of Music. As Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Olthafer teaches music appreciation and as Music Recruiter she recruits music students for North Park University. As Director of Operations she supervises all applied and adjunct faculty, and assists the Dean. As a performer, Rebecca has appeared with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Florentine Opera, OperaModa, Madison Opera, Milwaukee Symphony, Music by the Lake, Opera for the Young, and UW-Madison Opera. "....Olthafer's performance literally shimmers through a near translucent vibrato." (Capital Times, April 2004). Signature operatic roles include Dorabella, Serse, Hansel, Orlofsky, Flora, Kate Pinkerton, Mercedes, Second Lady, Julia Child, Marcellina and Tisbe. In 2006, Rebecca was awarded 5th place at the 2006 Wisconsin District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in Waukesha, WI. Rebecca holds a bachelors of arts in music from Luther College, masters and doctorate in vocal performance (with a minor in arts administration) from UW-Madison and has apprenticed with Operafestival di Roma, Opera North and Dorian Opera Theatre. Away from the School of Music, Rebecca maintains a private voice and piano studio in Albany Park. Prior to this Rebecca taught as an adjunct professor of voice at Luther College and Viterbo University.

 

Ms. Dickelman is responsible for all aspects of production relating to public events sponsored by the NPU School of Music. These events include ensemble concerts, recitals, guest artists, workshops/seminars, master classes and opera. She brings extensive experience to NPU, having held various senior level managerial positions in the fields of finance and investment. Also an active professional musician, Ms. Dickelman performs regularly with many of the area’s top ensembles, and is a former principal violist of the Chicago Civic Orchestra. She currently serves as personnel manager and contractor for several professional orchestras including the Northwest Indiana Symphony, New Philharmonic and Du Page Opera Theatre.

Marijean Sahyouni manages the office and support services of the School of Music and the Art Department. She has years of Arts Management Experience, managing a Dance Studio and Children’s Theater. She also is a Worship Leader, Community Theater Member, Songwriter and ASCAP Member.