This year began, as it always does, with auditions just after Labor Day. We welcomed a small but mighty group of new singers into our community who quickly made their mark with their positive energy, commitment, and musicianship.

This fall also marked a significant transition with the departure of Dr. Bret Amundson. We restructured our choral program, consolidating Concert Choir and Chamber Choir into a single ensemble and shifting my role to include directing Bella Voce. I was both excited and nervous to step into this new role, but Bella immediately welcomed me into their community.

In September, I traveled to Texas for what was to be the world premiere of Joby Talbot’s Piedra de Sol. While the premiere was ultimately canceled due to illness, the opportunity to spend time with Joby and connect in Austin was deeply meaningful. In January, I returned for the rescheduled premiere, which was extraordinary. Being present for the birth of this powerful new work was one of the highlights of my year.

Conspirare performing *Piedra de Sol*, photo credit Kenn Box

Our choirs were also on the move early in the semester, traveling to Minneapolis in October to collaborate with Giselle Wyers and participate in a multi-ensemble project alongside singers from Iowa State, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Lake Superior Youth Chorus, and St. Michael-Albertville High School. The experience of working across institutions and building community through music was invaluable, and getting to perform five new world premieres was incredible.

Combined Choirs at the Giselle Wyers Festival

The following weekend we celebrated Homecoming with our annual Prism Concert, and then we sang the National Anthem at the football game.

We took new choir photos—a windy day that resulted in memorable photos for Bella (we did reschedule and got some good ones).

Our Justice Choir continued its important work, singing at the Fall Alworth Center for Peace and Justice event, and in November, we honored our veterans through music at the annual Veterans Day flag raising ceremony.

Justice Choir at the October 30th Alworth Peace and Justice Lecture

November brought a personal professional milestone: Borealis Chamber Artists performed at the American Choral Directors Association State Conference, reprising The Little Match Girl Passion with our dance collaborators, led by Kayla Schlitgen. I could not have been more proud of the ensemble!

Borealis Chamber Artists Performing at the ACDA State Conference, November 15, 2025

Later in November we welcomed Gene Peterson to campus. Gene is my former high school choir teacher, and it was so fun having him here to work with our conducting students and choirs! He always brings such joy and we loved having him with us for a few days!

December was, as always, a whirlwind in the best possible way. From the President’s Dinner to Advent Vespers, Lighting a Tradition, and O Holy Night, our singers were everywhere, sharing music across campus and the community. Ashley Peters and I also appeared on The Lift (WDIO) to promote the concerts.

We closed the semester with caroling around campus and our Messiah Singalong

The spring semester brought new energy and new opportunities. March was especially full. Bella Voce traveled on a mini-tour to the Iron Range and up the North Shore, sharing music with students and building community within the ensemble.

Emerald leading an activity at Grand Rapids High School

The annual Still I Rise concert took place on March 20, and brought together singers from the University of St. Thomas, Marshall, Stella Maris Academy, Bella Voce in a powerful and collaborative performance. A few days later, the Art Walk gave Bella a chance to perform in a more relaxed setting, while collaborating with our visual art colleagues.

In April, Concert Choir (and a few extra Bella singers) returned to Minneapolis for the Sing Democracy 250 signature concert at Orchestra Hall. We combined with MSU Moorehead, Honors Choirs of SE Minnesota, and the Choral Arts Ensemble Singers from Rochester, along with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra —it was an inspiring weekend. I was so proud of our students, who represented the College with excellence.

Bella sang for the Donor Body Memorial Service in April, which is a beautiful way to collaborate with our health professionals programs and honor the lives of those who donated their bodies to science.

We concluded the year with our spring concert, A Place for Us, celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The concert was beautiful, and our singers moved many in the audience to tears. But what I am most proud of are the meaningful conversations we shared throughout the semester. It has been a challenging year on many levels, and yet these students continue to give me hope.

Sing Democracy 250 Signature Concert at Orchestra Hall, April 11, 2026

Hope is essential for progress. Our country’s founders set lofty goals—goals that have not yet been fully realized. Yet the beauty of those ideals is that they establish a trajectory of possibility. They function as a kind of north star, guiding us toward better versions of ourselves and a more just and equitable society. Over the past 250 years, we have stumbled, and we will undoubtedly continue to do so. But if we hold onto hope—and pair that hope with meaningful action—we move closer to realizing those ideals for all people.

I truly believe the work our choirs have done this year reflects that kind of positive change. Through music, through community, and through a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves, our students are sending ripples outward—into our campus, our community, our state, and beyond.

Looking back, this year was one of transition, growth, and connection. Through every rehearsal, performance, and shared experience, our singers continued to build something meaningful together—a community rooted in care, excellence, and the belief that what we do matters.

To all of our students: thank you. It is a privilege to make music with you!