My name is Isaac Lovdahl — I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in choral conducting at North Dakota State University, and was awarded a graduate study scholarship by the FMC Endowment Fund. On top of my full-time studies at NDSU, I am also working part-time as the music director at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN, and keep up a busy schedule of composing and performing. Graduate school has been a marvelous experience thus far—it has pushed me and helped me grow in fantastic ways. I am grateful for the opportunity to be learning so much from my professors and colleagues, and to have the chance to put those new skills to work each week as I lead the choir at church and serve as the bass section leader for the Fargo-Moorhead Choral Artists. To put it simply, my dream of continuing my education and going on to graduate school would not have been possible without the help of the graduate study scholarship from the FMC Endowment Fund. It has given me the comfort of knowing that my student fees and school supplies can be afforded without major concern or financial hardship. It is not an exaggeration to say that I nearly cried tears of joy when given the news that I was granted this scholarship. I believe that ACDA-MN is one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, branches of ACDA in the country because they continuously support young conductors and artists in the pursuit of their goals. Through graduate study scholarships, conference attendance scholarships, and many other programs, they help to facilitate the growth and development of the next generation of choral musicians that will keep our art alive for many years to come. To say that I am honored to be a part of this rich musical tradition would be an understatement. Being presented with these opportunities instills in me the desire to do the same for younger choral musicians as I enter a time in my life when I am able to act with greater frequency as a mentor and reference to them. For those of you reading this, please know that your money is going to a good cause when the FMC Endowment Fund asks for a donation—they always strive to bolster the choral community with their gifts and unrelenting support.

My deepest thanks to ACDA-MN and the FMC Endowment Fund for believing that I am worth their time and generosity. Keep singing, my friends!