Carol Jean Mosher Knupp Endowed Director of Education
In December 2024, Austin Classical Guitar received a truly extraordinary gift: $1,000,000 from the Ben & Nancy Sander Family to establish the Carol Jean Mosher Knupp Endowment Fund for Education. This fund, held by the Austin Community Foundation, will provide lasting support for ACG’s mission of educational excellence.
In recognition of this remarkable gift, our ACG Director of Education position—held by Dr. Travis Marcum since 2005—will now carry the distinguished title of the Carol Jean Mosher Knupp Director of Education.
Carol Jean Mosher Knupp was the mother of Nancy Sander, and her love for music and education inspired this endowment. “Mom was the music education director of our family, so it feels perfect that this gift in her honor will support the ACG Director of Education,” the Sander family shared. “Our hope is that this endowment will further the mission of Austin Classical Guitar and honor the ‘Essence’ of our mother.”
Carol Jean’s Essence
(by the Sander Family)
The form of Carol Jean Mosher Knupp ended on April 12, 2024. The essence of Carol continues in the hearts of those she loved and it will be passed along for generations to come.
The essence of Carol is found in many things. It is found in …
The square tin of nutmeg you sprinkle on top of homemade custard pie.
The hug instead of a handshake when meeting a new friend.
The bye-oh-baby tune sung on repeat while rocking a fussy baby.
The musical healing of playing sad hymns and working your way to happy hymns.
The first taste of sweetness in the foam scooped off the top off freshly made strawberry jam.
The ear that quietly listens to a friend’s story even though the message is hard to receive.
The magic of transforming hollyhock blooms into beautiful ladies, and worn handkerchiefs into cradled babies.
The intricate stitches of a lace baptismal gown crocheted by hand for a youngest granddaughter.
The chilly water of an old red water hydrant splashing the bare toes of a youngest grandson.
The floral pajamas worn to a final resting place.
The understanding that when people are the hardest to love, they need love the most.
Her gentle spirit with all babies.
Kneeling beside the bed with Bill, Connie and I to say our bedtime prayers.
The love she showed to everyone.
The essence of Carol is found in these and many other things. And now, the essence of Carol moves forward through the Carol Jean Mosher Knupp Endowed Director of Education at Austin Classical Guitar.
About Carol Jean
Carol Jean (1937-2024) was a dedicated mother, selfless spouse, and joyful child of God. A warm homemaker and avid gardener, Carol also worked at the ASCS office in Stronghurst, Illinois. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Henderson County Home Extension, and Red Hat Society. Carol loved to crochet. Music was her heart, which she joyfully returned to God by serving as organist and pianist for several churches. She also taught Sunday School at the Viola Methodist Church. Carol Jean had five children: John William “Bill” (Deb) Knupp of Carman, IL, Linda (Kevin) Dameron of Burlington, IA, Connie (Ledru) Freyenberger of Wayland, IA, James “Jim” (Karen Smith) Knupp of Washington, IA, Nancy (Ben) Sander of Austin, TX, ten grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George Mosher, her sister Mary Wagoner, and her grandson Michael Sulzberger.
About ACG Education
Austin Classical Guitar’s education programs have transformed music learning in schools across the United States and beyond. Through a combination of groundbreaking curricula, innovative training methods, and student-centered learning, ACG has made high-quality guitar education accessible to hundreds of schools. As the world’s most popular instrument, the guitar serves as a powerful tool to engage students, and ACG’s programs have introduced tens of thousands of young people to the performing arts. Decades of research highlight the lasting and far-reaching benefits of arts education for young people. ACG’s efforts have been particularly meaningful in schools with low socio-economic status, where guitar class enrollment and retention rates have soared.
ACG’s commitment to accessibility and innovation extends beyond the conventional classroom. They have pioneered first-ever music programs in the juvenile justice system and created the world’s first braille-based classical guitar learning system, ensuring students of all backgrounds and abilities can experience the joy of music.
At the heart of ACG Education is empathy. The cornerstone of their teaching philosophy is a system known as the “Five Elements,” which prioritizes safety, belonging, personal responsibility, and resilience in every teaching and learning environment. This philosophy empowers teachers and inspires students, creating spaces where growth and connection thrive.