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What do you look forward to the most? Any big projects in your windshield, looking ahead? I have really enjoyed my conducting lessons so far and have the opportunity to conduct a symphony orchestra thanks to my conducting professor! That’s the first big thing on the horizon for now!
Rebecca Raber
Patrick McGuire
University of Mary
Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church
Surr ound the State in Song The winding road...
S
urround the State in Song (SSIS) has certainly faced unique challenges over the last couple of years. Since 2019 when I stepped into the state coordinator role for Surround the State in Song we have dealt with a mid-October blizzard forcing us to reschedule, a global pandemic forcing us to cancel and a second year of pandemic restrictions requiring us work around local and state guidelines for for the safety of our students, conductors, and teachers. As a state we have stepped up to the many challenges presented to us and found innovative ways to continue to provide enriching educational experiences for our students! It probably goes without saying but, I am beyond proud to work with such an amazing team of site coordinators and teachers who truly make this event a success year after year. This year we had around 560 students registered to attend from 63 schools from across the state! The average number of students per site was 80. Our esteemed guest conductors this year were: Bismarck - Dawn Hagerott (Bismarck State College) Dickinson - Lacey Hanson (Center-Stanton Public School) Fargo - Lauren Brandeburg (Fargo South HS & Carl Ben Eielson MS) Grand Forks - Assorted Area Music Teachers
