The Master Singers - Beth Johnson
Beth Johnson, soprano, is a visiting assistant professor of geology at UW-Eau Claire, where she teaches Earth Science for education majors. She has earned a total of four college degrees in two fields, most recently a Ph.D. in geology from Northern Illinois University. She also briefly attended the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France, where she studied the French language. Her research interests include the glacial geology of Northern Illinois and the migration of the Mississippi River. In her teaching, she uses such diverse disciplines as history, archaeology, art, and music in order to enhance her students’ understanding of geology. An example of such a combination can be seen with her use of rock music such as Jimmy Buffet, Sting, and They Might Be Giants in order to teach geological concepts including volcanic hazards, economic geology, and astronomy. While this is her first year singing with the Master Singers, she has performed extensively with various choirs including the Jenny Lind Women’s Ensemble of Augustana College and the Chamber Singers of Boise State University.