Sonia Edwards, Northern New England superintendent of schools, left, shows appreciation to Dotty Krueger, right, for her many years of service. [Photo: Northern New England Conference]
Music has always been a big part of Doris (Dotty) Krueger’s teaching career. In June 2022, at the Northern New England Conference (NNEC) Camp meeting, Dotty was recognized for more than 50 years of teaching service as she officially retired as the music director at Pine Tree Academy in Maine.
Dotty grew up in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Her parents lived on the campus of New England Memorial Hospital. She attended Atlantic Union College (AUC) and married Myron Krueger. After graduation, Myron joined the military, and the happy couple moved around to several states while Dotty taught in public schools. Myron completed his military service and residency, and they decided to live in Maine. Once there, Pine Tree Academy (PTA) welcomed Dotty to their musical staff, and Myron became a well-known physician in Brunswick, Maine.
Dotty dreamed of having a venue where small and large schools in the conference could send their budding musical artists to enjoy singing in a choir and playing in a band, even if their school might not offer this opportunity. In 1981, she organized the first Music Clinic, which has grown over the years to what it is today, with students from all over the U.S. and Canada participating. The NNEC sponsors this clinic every year at Pine Tree Academy and invites music professionals specializing in choirs, band, strings, and piano to share their God-given gifts. In its early years, Dotty worked tirelessly to make this yearly event happen by doing all the mailings, registrations, and securing the musical artists herself.
In 1995, Dotty accepted a position at AUC as their director of choral activities. She taught private piano lessons as well. Five years later, she returned to Pine Tree Academy as their music director for the PTA bell ringers and chimes, academy and elementary choirs, general elementary music classes, and more. God has blessed her with a passion for young people who love music as she does. “It is so rewarding to see a student’s excitement upon grasping a concept when, after intense practice, a recital or concert comes together and when students create a beautiful song through teamwork using what they have learned to praise God!” chimes Dottie.
For those of you who know Dottie, retiring means that she will only slow down a little. Where there is music, you are bound to find her. Once the love of music is in you, it is hard to get it out!
