Shireen Ranschau

Shireen Ranschau was born in Boulder, Colorado. She spent her childhood in both Boulder and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began studying piano at the age of 5 and cello at the age of 10. She studied cello under University of Colorado professor, Dr. Eugene Hilligoss and at Augustana University with Janet Grieve. Ranschau joined the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra in 1970, while attending Augustana University. She has continuously played with SDSO since then. She is on the Board of the SDSO Players’ Association and recently completed her term on the Board of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra League.

Ranschau graduated from Augustana University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish. She received a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of South Dakota. She was a licensed Social Worker and spent her career in the administration and development of affordable housing. Ranschau is currently retired from the workforce and keeps active with various types of community volunteer and advocacy work. She also enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, traveling and visiting her two daughters and three grandkids.