Education

BS Winona State University

Academic Interests

Orchestra

Teaching Philosophy

All students can and should learn as much as they can in the field of music. Music helps with discipline, makes you a team player, is good for your brain, and gives you an unmatched level of joy.

Biography

David Urness taught Orchestra at Mankato East High School for 39 years. He had additional music teaching duties at Prairie Winds Middle School and related elementary schools. Teaching grades 5-12 had him in charge of the string program on the East side of Mankato, teaching beginners through orchestra members at the high school. Conducting school musicals such as “The Sound of Music,” “High School Musical,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “Godspell,” and performing bass in several musicals, has also been a rewarding experience. In 2015, David received the Golden Apple Award, recommended by an orchestra student and sponsored by KEYC TV and Bethany Lutheran College.

David Urness retired from teaching in the Mankato Public School District in 2018. His retirement was short-lived as Professor Faugstad asked him to teach cello and bass lessons at Bethany Lutheran College in the fall of 2018. He was then asked to teach cello and bass lessons at Martin Luther College in the fall of 2019. Dave was the bass sectional coach for four years, helping out the Minnesota All-State Orchestra. Conducting the orchestra at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Mankato and playing in the Mankato Symphony is also rewarding to Mr. Urness. David plays bass guitar in The Amy Manette band, performing jazz, blues, and rock around the Mankato and St. Paul regions.

New granddaughter: Charlie Jo Larson is Mr. Urness’s latest activity that keeps him busy.

Hobbies/Interests

Model Railroading, Tropical Fish