Eli McMahon is a Vocal Music Education major from Hartford, South Dakota. He performed with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and the Gustavus Choir. Professor Amy Vizenor says “even as a beginning student, Eli was strong-bright, articulate, grounded, and personable. With his quick smile, respectful attitude, and thoughtful attention to his work and his music, he was already equipped with many of the factors that will make him a successful teacher. Over the past three years, I have seen those qualities grow and deepen, and I appreciate Eli’s solid vision for bringing music into the lives of young people.”
We asked Eli about his time at Gustavus and his goals for the future.
What are your plans for the future?
EM: “To either be a high school choir director or a church music director.”
What’s a favorite memory you have from studying music at Gustavus?
EM: “I will never forget singing Be With Us in St. Stephansdom in Vienna, Austria!”
How have you grown in your time at Gustavus?
EM: “I have learned that faith and community need to take precedence, no matter what else is going on in life.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give high school students considering Gustavus?
EM: “Find people that you can work toward virtue together with, and don’t stop looking and hoping until you find them.”
What has been your proudest moment in your time at Gustavus?
EM: “Presenting my composition recital, “Luminous,” created with the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary in mind and performed by a small group of Gusties.”