Shawn Neisen, an NDSU doctoral student, received the award at a banquet held at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, on Aug. 1, 2024, with six other advocates from all corners of Minnesota.
Shawn Neisen, an NDSU doctoral student, recently received the Advocate for Choral Excellence Award from the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota.
Neisen was nominated by ACDA-MN member, and choir director at Minnesota State Community & Technical College, Laura Quaintance, who is also the ACDA-MN Northwest District. Quaintance says Neisen was nominated for his generous commitment to the choral world.
Neisen taught five years of K-12 general and vocal music in Battle Lake, Minnesota, while serving as the choir director for Eagle Lake Lutheran Church. This experience allowed him to work with singers from five to 95 years old.
Quaintance said, “Shawn embodies the spirit of ACDA-MN in the way that he saw a need and fulfilled it, using his talents and skills. He has donated to the organization's scholarship fund every year since he has been a member and is a recipient of graduate studies scholarships. Shawn walks the walk of ACDA-MN. He supports choral musicians of all ages across our Northwest District and has done so ever since he began his career here.”
Neisen received the award at a banquet held at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, on Aug. 1, 2024, with six other advocates from all corners of Minnesota.
The ACE Award program was established in 2008 and has recognized 100 noteworthy individuals or advocates within a geographic region for their outstanding contributions to the choral arts within their communities.
“The ACE Awards highlight the incredible accomplishments of music educators and advocates in communities of every size throughout the state.” remarks ACDA-MN Board President Jerry Upton.
ACDA of Minnesota’s mission is to inspire and support a community of choral musicians throughout the state. It is a professional organization serving over 800 choral directors who lead choirs in academic institutions (K-university), communities and houses of worship throughout the state. Information about the ACE Awards can be found on the ACDA of Minnesota website.
