SMU faculty and student musicians participate in music education conference

Five SMU students attended the state Music Education Winter Clinic including, from left: back, Jeremy Johnston, Ryan Ballanger, Tom Briese; front, Gosia Paidosh and Samantha Kirsch. Paidosh worked with conference clinic staff, and the others performed in the Intercollegiate Honor Band.

WINONA, Minn. — Two members of Saint Mary’s music faculty, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and Denny McGuire, and five SMU students participated in the Minnesota music education conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Four SMU students performed in the select Intercollegiate Honor Band including: Jeremy Johnston, percussion; Ryan Ballanger, clarinet; Tom Briese, trombone; and Samantha Kirsch, clarinet. Gosia Paidosh, a music major, worked with conference clinic staff.

Dr. Heukeshoven was one of five collegiate conductors chosen to direct this year's Intercollegiate Honor Band. She directed the 2006-07 Kaplan Foundation/SMU Concert Band commissioned work, “Israeli Rhapsody” by internationally recognized composer Judith Zaimont. She also conducted the work with the Virginia Intercollegiate Honor Band at the University of Mary Washington.

Dr. Heukeshoven serves as collegiate representative on the Minnesota Music Educators Association Board of Directors, and also assisted with clinic sessions, the SMU exhibit booth, and conference logistics.

While attending the conference, Heukeshoven accepted the All-Steinway School Award on behalf of the SMU Music Department.

Additionally, adjunct music faculty member Denny McGuire presented a session at the state music education conference, titled: “Batucata!” The overall theme of the conference was “Embracing World Music — Embracing Local Traditions.” McGuire presented an interactive session designed to assist in-service music educators at all levels.