Presenting music therapy in China

Despite what is suggested in the title of her presentation, "Music Therapy—A Field Whose Time Has Arrived Around the World," music therapy professor Roberta Kagin found that relatively few of the nearly 120 people who crowded into a room set up for just 30 people in Beijing, China, were familiar with the discipline of music therapy.

Kagin was one of five music educators invited to present at a conference on music education reform, held at Capitol Normal University in Beijing. She says that Western music in general is sorely lacking in China, and that the Chinese concept of music education is more commonly understood as teaching people about music, not preparing teachers of music.

"Students are hungry for anything we can give them," she commented, in reflecting on the great interest in her presentation and in music therapy in general.

The conference audience included university faculty and students, as well as a number of dignitaries, as could be felt in the conference ambiance. Kagin reported that, "The opening ceremonies were an amazing array of flowers, speeches, and videos."

While in Beijing, Kagin visited two other music schools—the premier Central Conservatory of music and the Chinese Conservatory, a more traditional program. As part of her own doctoral study, Kagin met with members of the Huaxia Musical Ensemble, a group of music students playing traditional Chinese instruments. A paper she wrote included research and field recordings of the instruments.

Kagin's host in Beijing was Zhou Shibin, an administrator at Capital Normal University, who visited Augsburg in the winter of 1996-97 and may return in the coming fall.

American Indian Student Services Program celebrates 25th anniversary

Augsburg's American Indian Student Services Program (AISSP) concluded a yearlong celebration of its 25th anniversary with a gala dinner May 16. Mike Freeman, master of ceremonies and Augsburg regent, welcomed guests, who included faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the College and AISSP.

The evening began with an invocation by the Rev. Marlene Whiterabbit Helgemo of All Nations Indian Church, and an Honor Song by the Lakota Singers, led by Jerry Dearly. Cindy Peterson, director of AISSP, then presented the history of the program.

Following dinner, those who have impacted and helped shape the program were honored with a "give-away." Receiving special recognition were former College presidents Oscar Anderson and Charles Anderson; former AISSP director Bonnie Wallace and current director Cindy Peterson; Joseph Aitken; President William Frame; academic dean Chris Kimball; Herald Johnson, assistant to the vice president of enrollment and market development; Tom Morgan, vice president of enrollment and market development; Ann Garvey, associate dean for student affairs; scholarship donors; and the Tribal Offices Committee.

Two students receive Hognander music awards

Mark Abelsen and Maja Lisa FritzHuspen are the 2003-04 recipients of the Hognander Award, the College's most prestigious music award.

Mark Abelsen, of Duluth, Minn., is a senior piano performance major studying with associate professor Jill Dawe. He participates as an accompanist on campus and in the chamber music program, where he enjoys working with singers and string players. In the future, he plans to pursue master's and doctoral degrees in accompanying or orchestral conducting. He was a featured soloist in the 2002-03 Concerto Aria concert.

FritzHuspen, of Bismarck, N.Dak., is a Regents Scholar and senior vocal performance major studying with studio artist Susan Druck. She performs in the Augsburg Choir and vocal chamber music program. In April 2002, she won first place in the intermediate voice division of the annual Schubert Club competition. She was also featured as a soloist in both the 2001-02 and 2002-03 Concerto Aria concerts.

The Orville C. and Gertrude O. Hognander Family Fund was established to recognize exceptional music performance and achievement. The scholarship is based on merit, specifically to provide encouragement to outstanding music students. Requirements include a resume, essay, and an audition of two musical selections.

Music therapy department

Music department

American Indian studies department

American Indian Student Services Program

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