FMC ENDOWMENT FUND SOTN SPRING 2019 UPDATE
Dawn Thomsen
This morning as I was walking my dog on the local trail, I was surrounded by the first signs of spring – warm sunshine and flowers bursting through the ground. I was listening to music, and it was glorious.
Naturally, I thought of you.
For over 23 years, and because of members like you, ACDA-MN has been able to offer needed financial support that nurtures a diverse, vibrant community of talented choral musicians through the FMC Endowment Fund. For many, it’s the difference between being able to pursue choral music as a career or not. For others, the FMC Endowment Fund scholarship provides exciting, invaluable experiences – to learn, grow, and find community.
SPECIAL THANKS FROM OUR ACDA NATIONAL CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Your contributions, large and small, truly make a difference! Here are powerful testimonies from recipients of the ACDA National Conference scholarships that attest to the personal impact of your support of the FMC Endowment Fund.
Gary Ruschman, St. Timothy Lutheran Choir, OVAtion
The scholarship allowed me to connect with so many luminaries of our nationwide choral scene, old friends, gather repertoire ideas for my ensembles, and even find new presenters of my own scores.
Emily Moser, student, Moorhead State University
With your help, I was able to meet new people, learn a lot of new repertoire, and fall more in love with my passion–choral music. Throughout the conference there were times that I laughed, cried, and was speechless, and most of all, inspired!
Evan Byler, student, Bemidji State University
Watching groups from all over the world perform was a highlight for me. Many of the performances brought me to tears and some made me jump out of my seat in applause.
Kendra Penke, student, St. Cloud State University
I was grateful for the opportunity to further my learning without the added pressure of finances getting in the way. This conference positively impacted me in more ways than I can express…I’m thankful for the opportunity.
Mark Neppl, student, University of Minnesota-Duluth
There is one word to perfectly describe my experience in Kansas City–inspiring! Learning from the greatest teachers in the country and hearing choirs from around the world gave me hope for my future and the future of choral music.
Thank you, once again, for your support.
LOOKING FORWARD
Stay tuned for more detail on a major celebratory event! The 150th birth anniversary of F. Melius Christiansen, will be celebrated on November 21, 2021 by these six Minnesota choirs at a concert located at Orchestra Hall:
The Augsburg Choir • The Concordia Choir-Moorhead • The Christus Chorus of Concordia University-St. Paul
The Gustavus Choir • The St. Olaf Choir • The National Lutheran Choir
With best wishes on your upcoming spring concerts!
P.S. Playlist suggestions welcome – email dawn@bricksandbone.com