The “Senior Spotlight” series honors graduating fine arts majors for their contributions to the Gustavus community.
Andrew Stumbo is a Vocal Music Education major from Ogden, Iowa. After graduation, he hopes to get a job as a choir director. Jon and Anita Thomsen Young Distinguished Chair in Music and Conductor of the Gustavus Choir Dr. Brandon Dean says, “Andrew is such a naturally gifted and charismatic leader. He has a unique talent for engaging and inspiring others, and I am confident this skill will lead to great success in the classroom.”
We asked Andrew to give us a little insight into his time at Gustavus and what his future plans are.
What’s a favorite memory you have from studying music at Gustavus?
AS: Honestly, some of the Music Theory All-Nighters at the end of the semesters wound up being a lot of fun. Totally miserable, but a lot of fun.
How have you grown in your time at Gustavus?
AS: I’ve become a much better musician. I thought I was hot shit when I got here, and quickly realized that I most certainly wasn’t. Over my time here I’ve deepened my understanding of what music is and how it works, and that combined with my vocal training has translated into me being a much more effective musician.
What do you look forward to most about life after Gustavus?
AS: Having my own choir program. I can’t wait to have a place and a school that I can call mine and a group of students I can get to know and then be sad about when they leave.
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Gustavus and why?
AS: Social Dance- We signed up with a partner and literally just learned a bunch of different types of dance. Far and away the most fun class I’ve taken.
What professor has made the biggest impact on you and why?
AS: Michele Rusinko. Her storytelling FTS has set me up with friends I’ve had for all four of my years here. It was a great transition into college lifestyle, and I learned a lot about self-care and interacting with others. 10/10, would probably take again.
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