Whitewater Times

Emma Clark, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has received the Gaarder Award from the Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) for her achievements in music education.

Clark, who plans to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Music in music education and an emphasis in choral education, was nominated for the award by Holmes and supported by a letter from VanAlstine. According to those at UW-Whitewater and WMEA, Clark's advanced musical skills and dedication to music education made her an exemplary recipient.

“I was astounded and incredibly grateful to find out I was a recipient,” said Clark. “After I got to process it, the first people I told were my parents. They have been such a support.”

Clark expressed appreciation for those who have helped her along the way. “I would like to thank my partner, who has shown me a lot about how the music world works. I would also like to thank my colleagues in choral music education,” she said. “It is a small cohort, so we have gotten really close.”

Through her pre-student teaching observation at Washington Elementary School in Whitewater, Clark demonstrates her belief that quality music education should be accessible to every child.

She intends to obtain licensure in K-12 general choral instrumental music and hopes eventually to share what she has learned with future students.