Langford Area Music Teacher Kelly Wieser was recently recognized by the South Dakota Music Education Association for 35 years of teaching during the All-State Chorus festivities. After more than three decades in the classroom, Wieser says the milestone has given her a moment to reflect on the students, colleagues, and community that shaped her career.
Wieser’s love of music started early. She remembers stacking her parents’ records on the turntable as a preschooler and singing along for hours. That early passion was encouraged by influential teachers throughout her school years like Penny Likness, Nyle Meeker and Mike Likness. “My elementary and high school music teachers helped strengthen my skills and prepare me for college ensembles,” she said. She also credits teachers who pushed her not to quit when something felt difficult. “It’s because of these teachers lifting me on their shoulders that I am who I am today.”
Her path to Langford began in 1996 when her family moved to her grandparents’ farm near Britton. When she saw an opening for a K-12 vocal teacher at Langford, she knew it was the right fit. The district’s strong musical tradition drew her in, and she joined the staff that fall. A fortunate scheduling arrangement allowed her to observe longtime band director Terry Osborne daily. “It was absolutely invaluable,” Wieser said. “I learned how to efficiently run rehearsals and look for mistakes.”
Wieser says what has kept her in Langford for nearly 30 years is simple: the people. “The students, the teachers, the administrators, and the supportive musical community all see the value in music education,” she said. That support has helped build a program known for its high participation. When Wieser arrived, the high school choir had 16 members; in some years since, that number has exceeded 60. This year’s choir includes around 50 students. “When students can choose open campus instead of band or choir, and they still choose music, that really shows me something,” she said.
She attributes much of the program’s success to early engagement. “I start with elementary and just make it fun—little do they know they’re learning as well,” she said. By focusing on rhythm, vocal technique, and movement in a playful way, she builds confidence and enthusiasm that carries into middle and high school. “Once you have them involved in middle school, they are generally hooked.”
Community support has also been a cornerstone. Wieser now teaches the children of many former students, something she sees as a testament to the district’s commitment to music. “When those people come home and send their kids to school here, they are going to do everything to be supportive because they went through it too,” she said.
Over the years, Wieser has collected countless memories from concerts, competitions, All-State events, and directing both high school and elementary musicals. Some former students have pursued music in college or as educators, but she takes just as much pride in those who continue performing recreationally. “That means they are doing it because they love to, not because they have to,” she said. “Music is something you can use your entire life.”
Teaching has also taught her plenty. “Young people want to have fun, they want to be seen and heard, they want to feel important and needed,” she said. “If you can make them feel important to the music program, they are going to want to work hard for you.”
For new teachers, her advice is simple and encouraging: “Watch the masters teach. Some days are going to be harder than others—keep going. Practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes progress.”
As she looks back on her career, Wieser hopes her students remember how deeply she cared for them and their success. “I hope they carry on the next generation of students who realize how important music really is to the well-rounded student,” she said.
