Campus Connection

[caption id="attachment_15213" align="alignnone" width="770" caption="Anthony Rasmussen, left, Tiffany Townsend and John Knepper, foreground, received praises from organizers of a state music conference. The three served as mentors and chaperones for the statewide event held earlier in September. "][/caption]     Three UW-L choral music studies students stood out among those mentoring high school singers during a statewide music conference earlier this month. John Knepper, Anthony Rasmussen and Tiffany Townsend received high praise at the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association’s Next Direction conference at the Green Lake Conference Center Sept. 7-9. The event brings together outstanding high school students who enjoy choral music and study with college music education students who mentor and chaperone. Conference organizer Sarah McVeigh was impressed with the three UW-L choral students selected as chaperones. Among her comments:

• Knepper, from Trempealeau, was “mentioned individually on one of the student’s evaluations as being especially insightful and helpful.”
• Rasmussen, from Grafton, “built great rapport with students, and built strong relationships with students and staff.” He’s been asked to join the conference team next fall.
• Townsend, from Park Falls, was cited for “Her energy, charisma and willingness to take some risks will take her to great places in this field.”

Music Professor Gary Walth was impressed with his students’ reviews. “I’m very excited that our students received high praise and I’m proud of their work at a statewide venue,” says Walth, director of UW-L Choral Music Studies. “They exemplify the high quality students we have in our choral program.” The UW-L choral studies program prepares music education emphasis majors, along with those in a performance emphasis. Students may select from a variety of choral and instrumental ensembles to perform with throughout their college career. This year’s Music Department enrollment includes more than 100 majors and minors. See more at www.uwlax.edu/music/