Scholarship Sketches

Student Conductor Workshop participants

Front (L-R) Emma Sivestri (St. Olaf College), Sophie Kessel (College of St. Scholastica), Casi Sas (Winona State University), and Jenna Altonen (College of St. Scholastica)
Back (LR) Dr. Mike McGaghie (Macalester College), Jakob Waller (St. John’s University), Joe Koroll (Concordia College), Sam Sadlowsky (Concordia College), Dr. Stephen Kingsbury (Southwest Minnesota State University)

Emma Silvestri

My experience at this year’s MN-ACDA Summer Dialogue Conference was unforgettable! Without the sponsorship from the FMC Endowment Fund and Gateway Travel, I would not have been able to attend the Student Conducting Workshop or the Summer Dialogue Conference, and I am incredibly grateful for their generosity. This experience was so helpful to refresh and renew my teaching and conducting skills, and to motivate me for the start of my first year teaching! I am so excited to bring all that I’ve learned to my choir classroom at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East this Fall. I also loved getting to meet fellow colleagues and learn from incredible mentors at the conference. Thank you so much to FMC and Gateway Travel for sponsoring this experience!

Jenna Altonen

I am grateful to Gateway Travel for sponsoring my participation in the ACDA Summer Dialogue 2024. This experience was invaluable, influencing my journey as I pursue a career in music education. With this opportunity, I was able to attend clinics for the student conductors and other various sessions. This experience enabled me to forge connections with fellow educators and professionals, further nurturing my passion and supporting my personal growth. I deeply appreciate the opportunity I was given, thank you FMC Endowment Fund and Gateway Travel.