Choir Director
Mr. Kevin Palu
Kevin Palu is one of two vocal music directors at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was born and raised in Grand Island, NE, and received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014. Following graduation, he moved to Iowa to begin his teaching career, having now taught in Emmetsburg and Waukee before moving to Lewis Central.
Outside of the classroom, Palu has had the privilege of regularly serving on staff at the Nebraska Show Choir Camp, serves as Show Choir Repertoire & Resources Chair for the Iowa Choral Directors Association, and has worked as a clinician and judge at show choir competitions around the Midwest. He also serves the show choir community by providing an online competition scoring system for over 80 competitions around the country each season.
At Lewis Central, Mr. Palu directs Chamber Choir, Bass Clef Choir, Corporation, and Singcopation, as well as teaching Humanities, Music Appreciation and assisting with the spring musical.
Mr. Sam Schroeder
Choir Director
Mr. Sam Schroeder is a choral music educator hailing from Le Mars, Iowa. After graduating high school in 2011, he attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and graduated with a Bachelor of Music with a specialization in education summa cum laude in December 2015. He also holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Doane University which he earned in May of 2023.
Prior to starting his current position at Lewis Central in the fall of 2019, he spent three years teaching vocal music in Parker, South Dakota. This is his 6th year at LC, and 9th year of teaching overall.
His teaching duties include the Treble Clef Chorus, Bella Voce, Company, Music Appreciation, and assisting with Singcopation as well as the spring musical. He also assists with the middle school choral program. He's excited to continue serving as the advisor to the Student Council this year. He is looking forward to continue building relationships with the students at LC and making lasting memories through music.
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Mrs. Sonya Schiphoff
Accompanist/Fine Arts Administrative Assistant
Sonya Schiphoff is Lewis Central High School's staff accompanist and fine arts administrative assistant. She previously taught K-8 vocal music at OA-BCIG Schools (4 years) and PK-5 general music, choir, and beginning band at Underwood Schools (9 years).
A Southwest Iowa native, Sonya grew up in Avoca and attended AHSTW Schools. She received her Bachelor of Music Education with Piano Emphasis degree from Simpson College in Indianola, IA, then further earned her Master of Education degree from WGU.
Beyond playing the piano, Sonya enjoys teaching piano lessons, adjudicating piano festivals, and singing in her church's choir. She and her husband, Alex, reside in Underwood. They love to travel and cheer on the Iowa State Cyclones!
Assistant Show Choir Director
Mr. James Riva
James Riva is a Nebraska native, raised in Grand Island before moving to Sidney for high school. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and currently teaches middle school choir at LaVista Middle School in Omaha. Outside of school, Riva enjoys playing guitar with his band, supporting all of his favorite sports teams, and raising his mini-aussie puppy! He is excited to continue working with the Lewis Central show choirs this year!
Ms. Lauren Breed
Assistant Show Choir Director
Lauren Breed is an Omaha native, having attended high school at Elkhorn South before graduating from Millard North. She has recently completed her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and will be teaching elementary music in Omaha Public Schools this year. Outside of the choral classroom, Lauren teaches voices lessons at SNJ Studios in Omaha. She is excited to be joining the Lewis Central program this year!
