’06 alumna charts historic course as first woman to lead U.S. Army Chorus
When Bonnie Alger ’06 was named Officer-in-Charge of The United States Army Chorus last year, it marked a defining moment in her journey as a music conductor, one that has its roots in Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music. It also marked a defining moment for the 32-member chorus, one of the military’s elite music performance groups, as Alger became the first female officer to lead the unit in its 66-year history. “These are some of the best singers you are going to hear anywhere,” Alger said from Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. “It’s an incredibly special time to be here.”
n’t terrible. She would eventually work with her faculty advisor, Steven Jordheim, to craft a student-designed major focused on conducting, then go on to earn a master’s in conducting from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s in teaching from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate in conducting from the University of Maryland.
The now-retired David Becker, who began conducting the LU Symphony Orchestra during Alger’s senior year, would join Mast and Swan as important mentors.
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