By B. Merkel
Bradley Vogel joined McPherson College as the new Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. Vogel taught at his Alma Matter, Tabor College, for 22 years as the Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. He graduated from Tabor with a Bachelor’s in Music Education- Vocal and Instrumental and received his Master’s of Music in Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado and, finally, a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Vogel was born nearby in Goessel, Kansas, but at six weeks old his family moved to Garden City, Kansas, for his dad’s teaching career. Vogel found himself moving a lot as his dad worked his way up through education administration. He defines himself as a southwestern Kansas kid and his teaching experience has all been in central Kansas. Vogel is a husband, father of two boys, and grandfather of four grandchildren, about to be five. Both of his sons have had the chance to sing in his choirs and be in a musical theatre production he directed.
Vogel has always loved music and begged his parents to take piano lessons at 8 years old. They were hesitant because they didn’t think he would stick with it. He recalls his parents playing classical music from their record player when he was young, and he loved it. As he grew up, he discovered great success in musical contests as a pianist and tuba player. Both of Vogel’s parents were educators, so teaching just felt natural to him. As well, remaining active in music was a must. He loves getting to be a positive influence in the lives of others through teaching. He believes he teaches people through music as opposed to just teaching music.
Through his work, he has had tons of amazing experiences, especially regarding performances. Vogel has conducted a choir at the Kansas Music Educators Association State Convention six times so far. This is exceptionally challenging for a small private college instructor. He also has a passion for conducting major choir and orchestra works. At the top of his list of experiences is the chance to conduct a choir of 120 people and orchestra in Carnegie Hall in February 2019. He has since been invited to conduct in Carnegie Hall again in May 2022 and is hoping to get to incorporate the McPherson College Choir.
On top of all the work he puts into his career, Vogel also has a wide range of hobbies. He has run seven half marathons, too many 5ks to count, a 4 mile and 10k races. He also enjoys reading everything from history to sports to, of course, music. He and his wife also enjoy traveling and hiking through mountain trails, except most of their traveling is now to see their grandkids.
