2026 | Langford Alumni Susan (Frey) Karels Named Named Outstanding Bandmaster

Susan Karels 6-12 Band Director for the Milbank School District was named Outstanding Bandmaster for 2026 by the South Dakota chapter of Phi Beta Mu.

This recognition was announced at the annual South Dakota Bandmaster’s Conference in Brookings in February. 

Karels is in her 34th year at Milbank. She grew up in Claremont, SD and attended Langford High School.  She earned her BME degree in instrumental and vocal education from Northern State University in 1992, followed by a MA degree in 2000 from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR.  

Karels is a member of the South Dakota Bandmasters Association, South Dakota Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, Phi Beta Mu, and Sigma Alpha Iota. Currently she is serving as the Region 3 Music President.

–Courtesy of KXLG Radio (https://www.mykxlg.com/news/local/milbank-band-instructor-named-outstanding-bandmaster/article_a251cf98-1780-477a-8415-8b66609cde78.html)