Dawn Thomsen

Dawn Thomsen

An incredible 72% of Summer Dialogue attendees donated to ACDA-MN’s F. Melius Christiansen (FMC) Endowment Fund this year. More than 130 people – including 31 first-timers – gave generously throughout the 1.5 days. Your efforts, spurred on by an extraordinary $2 to $1 match by current and past FMC Endowment Fund Committee members, raised $11,250 for scholarships for ACDA-MN members and your students. Thank you for contributing to a vibrant future for choral music in Minnesota!

Meet the 2018 Summer Dialogue Scholarship Recipients

Scott Perau, Alicia Dunning, Ben Beaupre, Brian Brokofsky, Amelia Tesdahl, Brad Beale

The life-changing impact of your donations is clear in the testimonials from some of our former scholarship recipients:

I got reacquainted with the basic reason as to why we sing, and it was a very valuable lesson for me to learn. It was amazing to speak with other teachers from around the nation. The sessions, concerts, friends, experiences and the materials learned will serve my teaching for the rest of my life. The scholarship award made this all possible for me…thank you!

Jeremiah Krueger, St. Cloud State University
National Conference Scholarship Recipient

 

Receiving the Alice T. Larsen Memorial Scholarship helps to alleviate outside stressors and allows me to put my full focus into completing a DMA in Conducting. I hope that this special scholarship, given in memory of a pioneer in our profession, will continue to assist and empower young female conductors for generations to come.

Amanda Weber, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Alice T. Larsen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

 

Since I stepped foot into my first choral classroom as a high school sophomore, I have been deeply passionate about two things, singing choral music and other cultures throughout the world. The collision of my two passions came together thanks to the FMC Endowment Fund that awarded me a scholarship to attend the 2017 IFCM World Choral Symposium in Spain. Thank you for the amazing confidence shown in me.

Michelle Hayes, Anoka High School
World Choral Symposium Scholarship Recipient

 

I would not have been able to attend had it not been for this scholarship help. It allowed me to pursue personal development as a student, which furthered my understanding and provided valuable connections to my coursework. Thank you for funding my professional development at ACDA.

Emma Jirele, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
National Conference Scholarship Recipient

 

It is a great privilege and honor to live in a state where the choral arts are strongly supported. I look forward to giving back to this incredible organization and I am grateful for the abundant opportunities for personal, professional and musical growth.

Paige Armstrong, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Graduate Scholarship Recipient

 

Attending graduate school is an immense privilege. Without the support of organizations like ACDA-MN, I know that I might not have the opportunity to further my studies in vocal music education. Thank you for believing in me and helping to make my dreams a reality.

Katelyn Larson, University of St. Thomas
Graduate Scholarship Recipient

 

This scholarship made it possible for me to connect with colleagues from around the state and listen to some wonderful interest sessions. Being new to the region, the opportunity to connect with other conductors was invaluable.

Ahmed Ansaldua El Samkary, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Summer Dialogue Scholarship Recipient

 

The ACDA National Conference has shaped and sharpened by dreams for the future, inspired my current teaching practice, and equipped me with invaluable tools to help my future students. Each session, concert and exhibit gave me new insight into what it means to be a great choral educator.

Jaclyn Anderson, North Central University
National Conference Scholarship Recipient

 

Receiving this scholarship provided assistance to continue to learn and grow in my career. Learning many new skills and lessons that can be directly applied to my job was fantastic. It made a difference in my future as a choral director and music educator.

Sarah Waller, Albany Area Public Schools
Summer Dialogue Scholarship Recipient

 

UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REMINDERS!

1- NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONOR CHOIR STUDENTS

  • 7-8 Honor Choirs:     Applications due October 19, 2018
  • 9-10 Honor Choirs:     Applications due November 23, 2018

2 – ACDA NATIONAL CONFERENCE

  • Kansas City – February 27-March 2, 2019
  • Application due December 1, 2018

For undergraduate juniors & seniors, graduate students and also for conductors who are in their first 6 years of teaching.
Must be ACDA-MN member.