Lenore Siems is an educator, musician, dancer, performer and entrepreneur who has shared her artistic talents with thousands of students and adults in the Bemidji area, surrounding counties and throughout Minnesota for over 40 years. Her undergraduate degrees are from Bemidji State University in Sociology, Criminal Justice, Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Music Emphasis. She holds certifications in Suzuki string methods, Kindermusik and Musikgarden.
Classically trained, Siems has performed on violin and viola with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Itasca Symphony Orchestra, Heartland Orchestra, South Dakota Orchestra and Amato String Quartet. Siems served as the Director of the Itasca Orchestral Society where she conducted three youth orchestras and taught violin, viola and cello lessons in 10 schools.
Recently retired from teaching, Siems served the Bemidji School District for 28 years as a pre-school through eighth grade music teacher and directed and conducted the fifth grade orchestra program for the entire district recruiting students for violin, viola and cello lessons and conducting youth orchestras. Throughout her tenure, she provided a passion for music and dancing to over 14,900 students. Her excellence in teaching led her to be recognized as Teacher of the Year and was nominated for the prestigious national Sallie Mae Award.
Her most notable commitment has been performing fiddle, mandolin and viola with the all-woman Bemidji based band, Caleigh. Members of Caleigh have shared their 29 year musical journey with audiences throughout Minnesota and fans worldwide via liver performances and the internet.
Her new journey as a retired music teacher is to spend artistic time weaving music and dance together by calling and teaching multigenerational community dance gatherings that celebrate connections, community and camaraderie.
Take a Step Dance 