Clarinetist Jeanne Rohr featured in orchestra concert
Jeanne (Dalen) Rohr of Staples has been playing clarinet since the summer before she entered 5th grade. It’s remained a passion of hers for several decades; and she is known throughout Central Minnesota for her skill both as a teacher and a performer.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m., Jeanne will be one of the featured soloists with the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra’s (LPCO) concert entitled, “The Rohr of the Clarinet & Flight of the Flute.” It will be held at the Long Prairie-
Grey Eagle High School Auditorium.
“The music is really lovely,” Jeanne said of the upcoming concert program which includes a world premiere of the piece, “Fire Norske Folke-Tunes,” by Michael Halstenson. Her solo piece, Jeanne went on, is from “Five Bagatelles,” by Gerald Finzi.
The concert is under the direction of conductor Mark C. Graf, music director for the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had some very inspiring directors over the years,” Jeanne said.
An alumnus of the Verndale School District, Jeanne had five band instructors during her time there, including Ted Masog. “I’m not going to say when I graduated from high school; but it was Ted’s first year there,” she laughed.
Jeanne went on to study music at St. Cloud State University; and later taught band, elementary music and choir at Staples Motley Schools for 32 years. She retired in 2007.
She can’t remember a time when the clarinet wasn’t a part of her life.
“My dad played, as did all five of my sisters,” Jeanne shared. “I remember my dad playing the song, ‘Long, Long Ago.’” The Dalen sisters performed together on occasion when they were younger. When asked if their one brother also played clarinet, Jeanne laughed, “No, he chose not to.”
For awhile, her granddaughter Lindsay studied the clarinet. “So, we had four generations playing there for bit,” Jeanne said, noting that her daughter-in-law, Cindy, also plays clarinet.
She can’t imagine a world without music, Jeanne said. “It’s one of the pillars of my life...family, faith and music.”
Jeanne has played clarinet with the LPCO for over five years, in addition to playing with the Heartland Symphony Orchestra and Wadena Community Band. She also plays alongside students in polka band and pit orchestras. Currently, Jeanne works part-time as a woodwind instructor at Pillager School.
In addition to music, Jeanne has been a 4-H volunteer for 36 years, with over seven years as a 4-H Program Coordinator. She is also devoted to her family which includes husband, Gary; their sons, Jeremy, Chad, Jason (deceased) and Michael; and five grandchildren.
She’s been blessed, Jeanne says, mentioning again those three pillars in her life. Family. Faith. Music.
Jeanne believes her music is a God-given talent. “I don’t mean to sound egotistical; but any talent I have is truly a gift and it’s my responsibility to share it.”
She is happy for the opportunity to share her musical gift at the upcoming concert in Long Prairie. For more online information about, “The Rohr of the Clarinet & Flight of the Flute,” visit www.thelpco.org.
