My name is Bailey Geist Schlottman, and I am a proud recipient of the FMC Graduate Study Scholarship through MN ACDA. I am currently in my sixth year of teaching and I am in my final semester of the Master of Music Education program at Northern State University, with an emphasis in vocal music. I am the music educator at Centerview Elementary and the co-director of the Westwood Middle School 5th Grade Choir, both in the Spring Lake Park School District. I am also the conductor of the North Suburban Christmas Chorale in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
The FMC Graduate Study Scholarship is a terrific program that enables music educators to further their knowledge and skillsets in vocal music, and I am so grateful to have been awarded this scholarship to further my studies. This generous gift has enabled me to finance my collegiate studies while working full-time so that I may pay for my college with less financial burden. By having financial assistance through ACDA I have been able to focus solely on my studies without the worry of burdening student debt, and I have gained invaluable experience by being involved with MN ACDA fall conventions, honor choirs, and events throughout the state.
From this experience and from my studies in my graduate program, I hope to be a true leader in MN ACDA through choral conducting in the K-12 and collegiate setting, but also in the community with adult vocalists. My graduate studies, hands-on experience, and prestige of being awarded the FMC Scholarship have allowed me to be placed in my current positions and I look forward to attending more learning opportunities provided by ACDA. I hope to one day be a choral leader in the state of MN and across the United States, and I will look to MN ACDA for guidance in the future. The FMC Scholarship has already provided me with excellent opportunities, and I hope that this program continues to grow and help future music educators and choral conductors for many years.
Sincerely,
Bailey Geist Schlottman