Diane Heaney

Diane Heaney retired in 2023 after 40 years as a high school vocal music director spending the last 30 years at Albert Lea High School. There she directed three curricular choirs, Chorale, “CAT’aclysmic Show Choir, the annual fall musical and talent show, and gave private voice lessons. Diane has a BME degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa and a MME degree from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, Ohio. She also previously taught junior high and high school music in Hull, IA, Montevideo, MN, and Menomonie, WI. 

Ms. Heaney’s singers toured every other year, regularly performed for parents, community members, and senior citizens, and were honored to perform at choral festivals at Luther College, Mankato State University, MMEA Winter Conference, and the Choral Arts Finale. Many students achieved high honors as All- State Choir singers, soloists at contests, and in honor choirs. 

Diane served six years as Minnesota state president for the American Choral Directors Association and continues to be involved in mentoring young conductors. She also has served as Choral Vice President of Minnesota Music Educators where she organized All-State music camps and presented workshops. 

Diane is an accomplished organist, singer, and actress. She plays regularly for church services and has been on stage or behind the scenes as director for more than 75 dramatic productions. She lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Clyde, and has two wonderful adult children and so far, grand-dogs!