Lamar Choir Staff
Greg Haugen
Director of Choirs
Greg Haugen has taught his entire career in the Arlington ISD. After graduating from Dallas Baptist University in 1999, Greg became the assistant choir director at Nichols Junior High and served in that capacity until 2001 when he became the head director. In 2016, Mr. Haugen accepted an assistant position at Lamar High School and he assumed the head director position in the fall of 2020. Under his direction, Greg’s choirs receive outstanding UIL ratings and have been named “Best in Class” at area spring competitions. In 2007, the Nichols JH “Men of the Mustang Chorale” were given the honor of performing at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention.
Active as both a clinician and adjudicator, Mr. Haugen is a member of TMEA, the Texas Choral Directors Association, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. He was given the honor of being named a Minyard’s “First Class Teacher” in 2005, an Honorary PTA Life Membership at Nichols JH in 2007 and Lamar HS in 2022, received the “Servant Leader in Education Award” from the College of Education at DBU in 2008, and served Nichols JH as its “Teacher of the Year” for the 2012-2013 school year. Greg has also served Region V as the Middle School Vocal Coordinator and currently holds the office of Chair-Elect for its Vocal Division.
In addition to his work at Lamar High School, Greg Haugen is also the youth choir director at First United Methodist in Arlington. For 19 years he also led worship in the contemporary service. For many years, Mr. Haugen also fronted a band, Center313, which played festivals, worship services, and retreats in the DFW area. They released three albums which can be found on major streaming platforms.
Even though Greg keeps a pretty full work/church schedule, he still finds time to play golf, explore his passion of Lego modeling, eat Whataburger, and is a member of the Arlington City Champion Softball team, “Potluck”. He and his wife, Amy, live in Arlington and are very proud of their three strikingly beautiful children, Karalyn, Erica, and Jack.
Madison Kershen
Associate Director of Choirs
Madison Kershen recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a degree in Choral Music Education. She believes in teaching skills that create independent musicians and emphasizing the importance of music in a well-rounded education. Lamar High School is her first teaching job and she is so excited to be starting her career as a Viking!
Mrs. Kershen is a North Texas native, growing up in Dallas and living in Denton while in college. While at UNT, she served as the Registration Chair and one of the conductors for the Choral Music Education organization, “UpFront!”. This year, Mrs. Kershen will also be serving as the Music Librarian for the Greater Dallas Choral Society. She is a member of TMEA and TCDA and regularly attends conventions.
Mrs. Kershen got married to her wonderful husband and high school sweetheart in June 2025. They recently adopted two cats, Merry and Pippin. In her spare time, she likes to cook, crochet, and watch sitcoms. Go Vikes!