The Norma Aamodt-Nelson Student Scholar Award award was established in 2021 to honor the legacy of Norma, a practicing church musician and Instrumental Acquisitions Editor for Augsburg Fortress from 1993 until her death in 2020. The establishment of this award encourages collegiate students as they prepare for a vocation in church music. Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student as of Fall 2025. The recipient receives a full scholarship for the ALCM biennial conference, including housing and travel expenses, as well as a cash prize of $500. The recipient will also be invited to publicly play a piece at the conference.
Thomas Schulteis Named
2023 Norma Aamodt-Nelson Student Scholar
Thomas Schulteis has been selected from applicants representing colleges and universities in the United States and Canada as ALCM’s second Norma Aamodt-Nelson Student Scholar. Currently, Thomas studies under Dr. Jeffrey Blersch at Concordia University Nebraska, and he will be graduating in 2024 from Concordia with a B.Mus/Church Music degree. He hopes to become a full-time director of music in a church, directing the choir and handbell choir, a brass ensemble, and any other instrumentalists or vocalists who wish to help lead the music. His goal is that the music he uses in the service will strengthen the faith of those gathered in worship.
Thomas is one of seventeen students receiving a scholarship to this year’s Philadelphia conference. He will play Charles Ore’s setting of “Ein feste Burg” on Friday, July 7th before the 10:00 am plenary session.
Congratulations, Thomas!
Renata Peperkorn Named
2021 Norma Aamodt-Nelson Student Scholar
Renata Peperkorn has been selected from twelve accomplished applicants representing colleges and universities across the United States and Canada as ALCM’s first Norma Aamodt-Nelson Student Scholar. Renata is a rising junior at Concordia University Nebraska double majoring in Church Music and Music Education as a Bachelor of Music candidate. Her teachers include Marian Metson, Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, Dr. Joseph Herl, and Dr. Kurt von Kampen. She will officially receive the award during ALCM’s July 29 virtual business meeting which will include a portion of her video organ audition. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship towards her college tuition.
Student applicants receiving honorable mention include Nathan Elsbernd (Luther College), Wendy Johnston (Peabody Institute/Johns Hopkins University), Renee Nikkel (Western University) and Sarah Palmer (St. Olaf College). Congratulations to these fine young musicians!
