Jerry began square dancing in 1965. He started calling a year later, while still in high school, and for the next 20 years, was the club caller for a number of clubs in northeast Nebraska. He traveled as much as his farming operation would allow. The spring of 1986 brought with it the decision to devote full time to calling square dances.
An accredited member of CALLERLAB since 1976, Jerry has served as chairman of both the Rural Area Considerations Committee, and the CALLERLAB Foundation. He was a member of the Board of Governors for twelve years, serving on the Executive Committee six of those years. He was elected Chairman of the Board and served in that capacity for two years, in 1997 and 1998. He made the decision to retire from the Board in 2004.
Jerry firmly believes in the development of new callers, and the continuing education of established callers. He and Jim Mayo are co-authors of a book on choreography called, “Standard Choreography.” Designed with the newer caller in mind, it provides examples of danceable choreography from standard formations to assist in teaching new dancers. As an accredited CALLERLAB coach, Jerry has been on the staff of various caller schools and seminars around the country. He conducts his own school, The Heart of America Caller’s School, each summer in the Midwest.
During the winter months, Jerry and his wife, Sharon, make their home in Mesa, Arizona where he is the resident caller for Mesa Spirit, Monte Vista, and The Lost Dutchman resort parks. While there, he maintains a complete program of square dancing from Beginners through A-2.
Jerry has recorded for Chinook, Global, and Crown Records, and has been the featured caller at many festivals and weekends around the country. Traveling extensively during the summer months, he thoroughly enjoys the traveling side of calling and the many friends he has made throughout the activity. He takes special pride in calling smooth, flowing choreography with the basic philosophy that.... "SQUARE DANCING SHOULD BE FUN."
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