Director Michael Gossen
Mr. Michael Gossen grew up in the Des Moines area and is a graduate of Grandview Park Baptist School. Upon graduation Michael entered Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, and graduated with a diploma in Practical Theology and Pastoral Ministry. From there he continued his education at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he studied Theology as well as Music Education. Mr. Gossen finished his Music Education Degree at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mr. Gossen’s high school honors include being an all-state singer and instrumentalist, and a John Phillip Souza award winner. While at CFNI he led several worship teams, was part of a select choral group, and was a part of several recordings of worship albums. At NCU Mr. Gossen was a member of the select choir group and was a student director for the college choir and the Dale Whirland Singers as well as being involved in recordings, starting a traveling worship ministry, and leading worship for Chi Alpha (University of Minnesota campus ministry). Finally, while at ORU, Mr. Gossen was a member of the Chamber Singers and was the student director for the choir.
Mr. Gossen has served six years as the Secondary Vocal Music Instructor at Des Moines Christian School and has led them in many superior ratings at festivals and competitions.
Leadership >> Director and Accompanist
Accompanist Diane Rauser
An Illinois native, Diane Rauser was born in Sterling, IL, and raised in nearby Rock Falls. An accomplished pianist, Diane earned the John Phillips Sousa Award while still in high school, and then received an Associate of Arts degree from Sauk Valley Community College in northern Illinois. She has been a church organist and pianist for over 35 years, and continues in that capacity at Resurrection Lutheran in Ankeny. Before moving to Ankeny in 1985, she taught piano and organ.
Shortly after moving to Ankeny, Diane became accompanist for Steve Cartenson's high school choirs, traveling with them on four trips to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. While there she also performed at St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, and at the United Nations. Carstenson and audiences have high praise for Diane's technical skills and expressive musicality on the keyboard.
In addition to choir concerts, Rauser has been extensively involved in music in various church, school, and community groups, performing for musicals, band solo competitions, and All-State choir competitions, to mention a few.