MBDA Northeast Region (NEMBDA)

NEMBDA Mission:
To strengthen and support band communities in greater northeastern Minnesota, NEMBDA creates musical and social connections by providing opportunities for students, directors, and supporters.
Northeast Region Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
Information coming soon.
Karl Kubiak - President
Karl is the 3-5 general music and 5-12 band director in Ely. Prior to his position in Ely, Karl was the band director at North Woods school in Cook. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota - Duluth, and his Master's degree from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Karl is an active bassoonist and contrabassoonist, playing in Northeastern Minnesota orchestras such as the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra, the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, and substitute playing in other orchestras. Karl lives just outside of Ely, where he enjoys soaking up nature and the local arts scene, taking an active role on the Northern Lakes Arts Association board of directors. He also enjoys skiing and partaking in everything winter-related.
Maya Chavez-Sechser - President-Elect
Bio coming soon.
Traci Youngs - Secretary
Bio coming soon.
Noah Koep - Treasurer
Noah teaches K-3 General Music, 5-6 Beginning Band, 7-8 Band, 9-12 Band, and Jazz Band at Cromwell-Wright Schools in Cromwell, MN. He is currently in his third year of teaching. He graduated in 2022 from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with his Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education. When not teaching, he performs on Horn and many other brass instruments in various community ensembles such as the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra, Lake Superior Low Brass Ensemble, Minnesota Brass, and sings in the choir at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Outside of making music, he enjoys disc golfing, board games, and hiking and camping up the north shore and around Minnesota.
Carolyn Mikel - Pre-Service Teacher Liaison
Carolyn Mikel is a student at the College of St. Scholastica pursuing instrumental and vocal education. She is currently student teaching at Superior High School in Superior, Wisconsin. She works for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus as an intern and cantors for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. She participates in ensembles as a vocalist and percussionist in the Duluth community including Borealis Chamber Artists, Lake Superior Low Brass Ensemble, and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

Schools
For logistical purposes, this roster contains high school, college, and university institutions. The regional assignment for elementary and middle schools is currently identified by the name of the HIGH SCHOOL that serves your student population.
College of St. Scholastica (Duluth)
Century College (White Bear Lake)
University of Minnesota-Duluth
