Featured Artist

Marilyn Schempp holds a B.A. in both Vocal and Instrumental Music from Augustana University in Sioux Falls and a Master’s of Music in Organ Performance with additional study in piano and harpsichord from the University of South Dakota. For two summers Marilyn worked with Edward Parmentier in week long harpsichord workshops. For 50 years Marilyn has taught piano privately in her home studio. She also taught voice, organ, piano lessons, piano pedagogy and Music History and served as the chapel organist at Augustana University until retiring in 2023. Marilyn is an active member of the American Guild of Organists where she has served as Dean of the South Dakota Chapter, Director of the SD Chapter’s Organ Academy, and as a committee member and director of seven Pipe Organ Encounter Camps for her chapter. In addition, Marilyn served as the Regional Councillor for the North Central Region of the American Guild of Organists—an eight-state region. She is active in the Music Teacher’s National Association where she has been the state competition chair for 10 years, served as President of the local chapter, and is a member of the Theory Committee. In the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians she was the secretary/treasurer of Region 3 and during that time served on two of the regional convention committees. Since 2017 she has taught organ and piano at the International Music Camp in the Peace Gardens. As a church musician, Marilyn has played organ and directed adult, children, and handbell choirs. For 22 years she was the principal organist at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Currently Marilyn is the organist at Hope Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. As a member of the South Dakota Symphony, she has played oboe, piano, harpsichord and organ. In addition, she has played oboe with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band for six years. Marilyn has played organ recitals throughout the region, accompanies high school and college students in competitions, juries, and recitals and has accompanied both the South Dakota Honor’s Choir and All-State Chorus. Besides performing, Marilyn has served as a judge in regional Piano Guild Auditions and various Piano Festivals. Marilyn and her husband, Mark, have two grown children and five grandchildren.