Black
Hills
Youth
Orchestra
Our Team
Kate Mathews
Conductor, Director of Music and Education
Kate Mathews is a passionate conductor, bassist, and music educator. As an active musician, Mathews enjoys a busy playing career, performing with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, and other area ensembles, as well as judging and conducting regional festivals and contests. Mathews is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in orchestral conducting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Mathews holds a Master of Music in bass performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of South Dakota.
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Kate directs and plays with all our ensembles, and teaches viola, cello, and bass during our lesson block.
Lance Lehmann
Director of Business and Mentorship
Lance Lehmann was born and raised in Rapid City. He was a violin player and flute player in the Rapid City Area Schools. He has a passion for music; however, his life led him to pursue a business administration degree. He is currently a business owner in the Rapid City area in various industries and serves as a City Councilman representing Ward 4 (North Rapid). He hopes to use his experience to bring music into the lives of more students so they can have the opportunity for the same opportunities he had.
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Lance can be found doing all the behind the scenes administration and fundraising work that keeps the BHYO alive.
Andrew Spiess
Teacher, Violin/Viola
Andrew Spiess is a violinist, guitarist, singer, and composer who serves as Assistant to the Director of the Black Hills Youth Orchestra. A graduate of Rapid City Stevens High School and former member of the Black Hills Symphony, he has also served as a temporary substitute choir director and music teacher. He is currently pursuing a music degree at Black Hills State University, studying violin with Curtis Peacock and piano and voice with Stephanie Hanson. His original choral work Hope in the Sunrise was premiered by the Dakota Choral Union in 2025.
Andrew plays in all of our ensembles as a music mentor, and teaches violin and viola lessons during our lesson hour.