IHSMA Spring Bulletin - The Iowa High School Music Association

NEWLY-ELECTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER
Term Expiring 2016
Art Sathoff - Art Sathoff is in his 25th year in public education and is currently Fairfi eld Community School
District’s superintendent. He grew up in Iowa Falls, where he was a 1984 vocal music all-stater. Art did his
undergraduate work at Wartburg College then received an M.A. in English Literature from UNI, principal
licensure and an Ed.S. degree from Drake University, and minister’s license from the Christian Church of
the Upper Midwest. Art and his wife Cindy have made their home in Southeast Iowa the last 23 years and
have raised two sons there. Art is excited about being able to serve and support the great work of music
students and educators in Iowa on the IHSMA Board.
NEWLY-ELECTED DISTRICT ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERS
Term Expiring 2015
John Chalstrom - Dr. John Chalstrom is superintendent of schools for the Cherokee Community School
District since 2005. John is a native of Fort Dodge, Iowa graduating from Fort Dodge Senior High School
in 1985 and earned his BA in Social Science from the University of Northern Iowa in 1988. He earned his
MS in Educational Administration from Drake University in 1995 and his Ph.D in Education from Iowa State
University in 2007. Prior to moving to Cherokee, Dr. Chalstrom served as High School Principal at Clear
Lake High School from 1998-2005, Assistant High School Prinicipal at Muscatine from 1995-1998, and as
High School social Science Teacher at Jefferson-Scranton from 1989-1995.
Mike Stittsworth - Mike Stittsworth has been the 5-12 instrumental instructor at Belmond-Klemme since
November 2010. Prior to coming to B-K, Mike was the JH/Assistant HS Band instructor at Snyder, Texas
from 2006-2009 and Director of Bands at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas from 2000-2006. He has
also taught at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Mike received his Bachelor of Music in Education and
Saxophone Performance from The University of Northern Iowa, Master of Music in Saxophone Performance
from The University of Missouri-Kansas City, and completed two years towards his DMA in Saxophone
Performance, also at UMKC. While in Texas, Mr. Stittsworth conducted numerous All-Region Bands as well
as adjudicating Region and Area tryouts for All-State. Mike currently performs with many area groups.
Than Chesher - Than Chesher is in his third year as director of Choral Activities at East Buchanan schools
in Winthrop. Previously, he lived in Minnesota and worked as a freelance bassist, church choir director and
held a “regular” day job for Medicare. He graduated from Morningside College and is preparing himself (and
sweet talking his wife) to begin furthering his education. Away from the classroom Than plays bass in the
band “Stampede” alongside the band director at East Buchanan, Cory McBride. Than is married to his wife
of twelve years, Sarah Emm and together they have 3 children, Adeline, Liam and Charlotte.
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DISTRICT ADVISORY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES
Northwest: John Chalstrom, Cherokee Southwest: Donna Washburn, Audubon
North Central: Mike Stittsworth, Belmond-Klemme South Central: Dale Barnhill, Norwalk
Northeast: Than Chesher, East Buchanan Southeast: John C. Smith, Clear Creek-Amana
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