Swenson named to USD Hall of Fame

Custer resident Courtland “Skip” Swenson was recently inducted into the University of South Dakota College of Fine Arts Class of 2026 Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his distinguished service to teaching music at USD for 33 years.
Growing up in Alcester, Swenson  discovered his musical talent at an early age, becoming proficient in piano and percussion, and singing solos in the Alcester Baptist Church. As a music major at the University of South Dakota he had many opportunities to use his talents in both choral and instrumental organizations. He led his Lambda Chi fraternity to first place for several years at the Inter Fraternity Sing on campus.
After graduating with a degree in Music Education in 1958, Swenson  spent two years directing high school vocal and junior high instrumental programs in Sibley, Iowa, before returning to USD to obtain a master’s degree and build a percussion program. 
Always looking for opportunities, Swenson  took on directing various groups: choral, jazz bands, The Golden Age of Bands and percussion ensembles. He also directed more than 40 Broadway musicals for the USD. Theatre Department, the Vermillion Arts Council community theatre and the Black Hills Playhouse.
In addition to teaching, Swenson was percussionist and principal timpanist for the Sioux Falls Symphony, the Sioux City Symphony and the Yankton Symphonette. He also served as high school band and choir clinician and adjudicator in several surrounding states, and on the National Music Museum Board of Directors, South Dakota Arts Council and Music Advisory panel for the National Endowment for the Arts.
With an eye on helping his students, he studied with percussionists at the University of Illinois, developed a percussion literature library for educators and studied with renowned European percussionists in Germany. Swenson also delved into indigenous marimbas and music in Guatemala, studied vocal jazz arranging and Latin stylings at Inter American University, Puerto Rico, and learned more about the steel drums from a builder from Trinidad.
By the time he retired in 1993, he had introduced countless students to music and instruments uncommon in South Dakota: Latin percussion instruments, Guatemalan marimbas and Caribbean steel drums. The USD Steel Drum Band performed at the Percussive Arts Society Convention with the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University. His connection with people in Guatemala resulted in their presenting the state  two beautiful handcrafted Guatemalan marimbas, now housed in the National Music Museum in Vermillion.
Swenson’s enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring garnered recognition by students and faculty alike. He received accolades including best teacher of the year, outstanding educator of the year, and a Burlington Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching at USD, and teacher of the year at Ramey AFB schools in Puerto Rico. When he retired after 33 years, the South Dakota Board of Regents named him Professor Emeritus.
Moving to Jacksonville, Fla., after retirement, Swenson directed Florida State University’s steel drum band for a year, substituted at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and as music director for St. Paul United Methodist Church, directed two choirs and a handbell choir. He also served on Theatre Jacksonville’s board of directors.
After 10 years in Jacksonville, a move back to Custer gave Swenson the opportunity to build a log home, direct the Custer Community Church Choir, form the Joyful Noise Quartet and, with his wife, to direct community theatre productions for 11 years. 
Another 10 years found them in Florida and North Carolina, supporting music groups where they lived.
Today Swenson  is back in Custer and finally ready to enjoy retirement.