Lauren Russell is a Music Major from Alexandria, Minnesota. She performed with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, the Gustavus Jazz, and other instrumental ensembles. Professor Ruth Lin says “Lauren exemplifies the kind of student that we are proud of here at Gustavus. She came in thinking that she would be a teacher and discover how much she loves performing, so she switched track, worked hard, took advantage of all the resources that are offered here at GAC and have succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. I am so very very proud of her.”
We asked Lauren about her time at Gustavus and her goals for the future.
What are your plans for the future?
LR: “I will be attending grad school for Viola Performance.”
What will you miss most about music at Gustavus?
LR: “I’ll miss the beautiful friends that I’ve met through music here.”
What’s a favorite memory you have from studying music at Gustavus?
LR: “My favorite memories have been the little dorky moments spent making and listening to music with my friends.”
How have you grown in your time at Gustavus?
LR: “I came here as a music education major and with the support of amazing faculty and friends have had the chance to try new things and open myself to a future separate from the one I planned when I was 10. Also Jazz Viola!”
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Gustavus and why?
LR: “Taking Orchestration with Dr. Bryant was a class that really pushed me and helped me listen to music with a whole new level of understanding. We created music in ways I never thought I could.”