Vocal Music Staff

Jonathan Dyrland

Director of Choral Activities, Show Choir Director, Musical Director

Jonathan Dyrland earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Coe College in 2001 and earned his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2003. He began his teaching career in 2003 at Community Christian School in Willmar, MN teaching K-8 General Music, 5-8 Band, 7-8 Choir, directed the K-6 Musical and 7-8 School Play. In 2004, he began teaching at Lincoln Southwest High School where he taught 3 curricular mixed choirs, 9th Grade Orchestra, and founded the school's show choir program by starting the show choir's 'Resonance' and 'Diva's Intuition' (later to be called 'Ambience). He also started the Lincoln Southwest Showdown Show Choir Invitational. In 2009, he returned to his alma mater, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, to continue his teaching career. While at Jefferson, he directed the Amabile Singers (9th Grade Treble Choir), the Jefferson Singers (10-12 Mixed Choir), co-directed the Jefferson Concert Choir, and directed 'Ovation' Mixed Prep Show Choir. While at Jefferson, he also managed the Jefferson Invitational and taught vocals and directed the pit orchestra for the high school musical productions. In 2012, Jonathan continued his career at Marion High School where he has taught 3 curricular mixed choirs, 1 jazz choir, and founded 2 show choirs, "New Creation" and "Revelation." In addition, Mr. Dyrland has served as the school's musical director and started the Marion Masquerade. In addition to his time as a teacher, he has performed professionally with the Omaha Chamber Orchestra and the Quad City Opera Company. He is also the lead singer for the Marion-based 70s & 80s cover band, 'Airwaves.' Mr. Dyrland is married to Meegan Dyrland and they have 3 children, Elliott, Alana, and Zachariah.

Meegan Dyrland

Assistant Show Choir Director, Assistant Musical Director

Meegan Dyrland is a native of Willmar, Minnesota. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Relations. Meegan worked as a Health Licensing Specialist for the State of Nebraska from 2001-2003. She managed a City Looks Hair Salon in Willmar, MN from 2003-2004. She again worked as a Health Licensing Specialist for the State of Nebraska from 2004-2009. She was responsible for issuing and renewing the medical licenses of every doctor licensed to practice medicine in the state of Nebraska. In 2009, she moved back to Cedar Rapids and worked as a "Domestic Engineer" while her 3 children were small. In 2015, she was hired as the Assistant Show Choir Director at Marion High School. Her primary responsibilities include assisting with all rehearsals, designing and ordering costuming for the show choirs, organizing and assisting with the show choir hair & make-up applications, and assisting with the annual Marion Masquerade. In addition, in 2016, Meegan was hired as the Assistant Musical Director where she handles much of the "business" side of the production by managing ticket sales, ordering posters and T-Shirts for the production, securing Programs, costumes, and props. She is married to Jonathan Dyrland and has 3 children, Elliott, Alana, and Zachariah.

Valerie Earnest

MHS Choir Accompanist

"Mrs. E's" work as an accompanist began in high school when she was asked to be the accompanist for her school's show choir. After high school, she attended BYU where she was the Flute/Piccolo Section Leader and later Drum Major for the BYU Cougar Marching Band. Mrs. Earnest earned a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Flute Performance from BYU in 2000. She was licensed to teach K-12 Instrumental Music in Arizona and began her career as at Desert Trails Elementary, Desert Shadows Middle School, and Pinnacle High School all concurrently. She started a band program and developed it from 18 students to 100+ students during the next 5 years. Mrs. Earnest also started a Music Booster Program and organized two out-of-state music trips. She put her career on pause in 2005 to focus on being a full-time mother to her 3 children. In 2017, she had moved to Iowa with her family and began accompanying in the Linn-Mar School District. She joined our Marion Choirs as our accompanist in 2021.

Ben Eklund

New Creation Show Choir Choreographer

Ben Eklund is a freelance choreographer based out of Omaha, Nebraska. He studied music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and he is currently a free-lance choreographer working with groups all across the country. He has been around championship and competitive choirs of all types since long before he could even walk, much less dance. He choreographs and clinics for a number of schools in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The schools with which he has had the pleasure of working have earned finals appearances, best vocals, best choreography, and Grand Champion honors.

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