Meet The

Directors

Conductor

Dr. Steven Ward

Dr. Steven Ward serves as the Music Director/Conductor of the Civic Orchestra of Abilene. He is also a Professor of Music at Abilene Christian University, where he is the Director of Bands, conductor of the Wind Ensemble, coordinator of the chamber music program, and teaches courses in conducting. Previous to his appointment at ACU, he was Director of Bands at Hope College in Holland, MI, and the Music Director/Conductor of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra in Kalamazoo, MI.

Dr. Ward holds a D.M.A. in Conducting from Michigan State University, a M.A. in Conducting from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a B.M. in Music Education from Abilene Christian University. Prior to his appointment at Hope College, Dr. Ward was the Music Director/Conductor of the Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra in La Grande, OR, and was Instructor of Music at Eastern Oregon University.

Abilene Youth Strings

Jennifer Schweigert

Jennifer Schweigert is passionate about helping young musicians discover the joy of making music together. She serves as the Orchestra Director at Madison Middle School, Director of Abilene Youth Strings, and an adjunct professor at McMurry University, where she teaches future music educators through string methods courses and private violin and viola lessons. A proud Abilene native and graduate of Abilene ISD and Hardin-Simmons University, Ms. Schweigert has dedicated her career to music education and remains an active performer with local ensembles throughout the Big Country. Whether she is teaching in the classroom, rehearsing with students, or performing in the community, her goal is to inspire a lifelong love of music while helping every student grow as both a musician and a person.

Mission Strings

Debbie Flatt

Debbie Flatt graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a Bachelor of Music Education. She has more than thirty years of teaching experience both in public education and private instruction. She has been working with the Mission Strings program since 2024.

Molly Amlung

Molly Amlung earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music History & Literature and Trombone Performance. Throughout her career, she has performed with a variety of ensembles across the United States and internationally. Notable performances include The Ohio Light Opera, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Philharmonic, Shanghai Conservatory Symphony, Brass Band of Nashville, Bone Therapy, Big Spring Symphony Orchestra, and Strings Unlimited. She has also worked on recording projects in Nashville, performing with groups such as Saints of Havana.

In addition to her extensive musical background, Molly holds both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy. She is passionate about integrating her expertise in child development into music education, helping students build skills related to posture, strength, dexterity, visual-motor integration, and music literacy. As a founding member of Mission Strings in 2020, Molly has been honored to help shape the program and is proud to have watched it grow into the thriving community it is today.

Preschool Music Adventure Club

Katie Appleton

Katie Appleton graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University, and a Master’s degree in education from Tarleton State University. She taught for 12 years in public schools before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2022. Now, she is a preschool teacher who believes in building a strong musical foundation and is passionate about sharing the joys of music with kids!

Baby Music

Joyce McGlaun

Joyce McGlaun, BMusic Ed, Texas Tech University, all level degree, violin emphasis. Taught private violin lessons from 1970 to the present. Performed with Lubbock Symphony, San Angelo Symphony Orchestra, West Texas Symphony, Sacramento Symphony Orchestra (California), and Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra for 43 years prior to retirement. Currently playing with Civic Orchestra of Abilene. Registered training with Suzuki Association of the Americas includes Stages 1-3 Early Childhood Education, Violin Books 1-5, Overviews of 6-10, Group Lessons, and other enrichment courses. She and Caitlin Clark founded Baby Music of Abilene in January, 2011. Joyce has been married for 54 years to Monte McGlaun, retired engineer. She is the mom of four amazing daughters, including Kathleen McGlaun, and the Marmee to seven exceptional grandchildren, ages 11-21. Other organizations include TMEA, National Federated Music Clubs (Harmony Club local) and American String Teachers Association.

Kathleen McGlaun

Kathleen, a native of Abilene, is a graduate of the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at George Washington University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts. She grew up studying Suzuki violin for almost 8 years under the guidance of her mother, Joyce, developing a deep appreciation for the discipline, attention to detail, and lifelong dedication that the Suzuki method inspires. With 12 years of experience as a nanny, primarily caring for infants and toddlers, Kathleen brings a thoughtful understanding of young children’s creativity, intelligence, and resilience to her teaching.