ST.PAUL, MN (12/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Dr. Mary Kay Geston was named Minnesota's 2012 Choral Director of the Year by the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota in November. Geston returns to Northwestern after serving this past year as visiting associate professor of choral studies at University of Colorado Boulder.

"Minnesota is renowned as 'choral country' and has a national and international reputation for excellence in choral music, so to receive the Choral Director of the Year award from my professional colleagues in the American Choral Director's Association of Minnesota is deeply humbling," said Geston, "My joy comes from using and developing the gifts I've been given to help those around me embrace music as a gift from God while using and developing their own gifts. I love what I do!"

Upon her return to Northwestern, Geston has resumed conducting the 75-voice Women's Chorale and the Chamber Singers, simultaneously teaching choral methods, conducting and voice, and supervising secondary student teachers.

"Dr. Mary Kay Geston is the most qualified person I can think of to deserve this distinguished award," said alumna Natalie Cromwell '10 in a recommendation, "She demonstrates nothing but an overwhelming support of her students, not just in Northwestern's vocal department, but also in the music department as a whole."

In past roles ranging from chair to president, Geston is a faithful member of ACDA-MN and five other choral organizations. She is in high demand across the Midwest, having conducted All-State and honor choirs in six states and presented at several professional choral conferences.

In February, Dr. Geston conducted an all-state choir in Kentucky, and served as a panelist at the Southwest American Choral Directors Association conference in Texas. Traveling overseas in May, she worked with choirs at National Taiwan University and Kaohsiung Medical University.

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Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 70 areas of study, five master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. More than 3,000 students representing 33 states and 19 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of Northwestern College, operates 14 listener-supported radio stations throughout the Midwest. Visit www.nwc.edu.

Posted Tuesday December 04, 2012 at 07:41 pm by Northwestern College
Last Updated Tuesday December 04, 2012 at 07:41 pm