Senior Laura Johnson, a clarinet player since fifth grade, has been involved with music for a majority of her life. However, she says that it wasn’t until a high school music director shaped her way of thinking about music that she really developed a passion to pursue it in the future.

“I think most people who decide to be music education majors have had an experience with a teacher that really inspired them. That was my high school music director for me. He gave me an interest that I didn’t imagine I’d ever have. Leaving high school, I felt really passionate about music and then I came here and had the same experience with multiple amazing directors,” Laura said.

When Laura first came to Gustavus, her passion for, as well as, her dedication to music helped her gain attention with ease.

“Laura immediately demonstrated her ability to work hard and improve. Her playing took leaps right away,” Assistant Professor and Conductor of the Vasa Wind Orchestra in Music Karrin Meffert-Nelson said.

As her playing took leaps, so did the amount of opportunities Laura began to receive.

“One highlight is when she auditioned for the chance to play on a master class for Burt Hara. She was successful with that audition and played really well. She only continues to improve and to be a leader,” Meffert-Nelson said.

Along with exuding leadership ability in her music education major, Laura also excels as a member of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Brass Choir, Chamber Winds, and Tuba Euphoniums. On top of that, she’s also the President of Gustavus Music Council, President of Kappa Delta Pi, and a member of the Student Education Association.

“She knows how to get things done. When Laura is in a leadership position, she really shines. She can organize a group, manage the work, and produce great things. She works for everything she earns. She’s an all around successful student, leader, teacher, musician, and friend,” Senior Karin Dye said.

Whenever she finds free time, Laura says that her second greatest passion in life is her relationship with family and friends.

“When I’m not practicing or in rehearsals, my next biggest priority is finding time to spend with them and further strengthen and develop our relationships,” Laura said.
Those who’ve grown close to Laura, say that the time she puts into her relationships with others does not go unnoticed.

“She’s a great friend, always ready to jump in and help with a very big smile and heart as well as a great laugh,” Senior Rudi Thompson said.

Laura plans on finishing her 9-semester plan for music education by student teaching in the fall. After graduation, she’d like to work with a high school band for a while and then eventually return to graduate school in order to work at the collegiate level. In the meantime, she plans on spending the rest of her time at Gustavus continuing to learn and make connections.

“Personally, I want to keep developing my playing but I also want to make connections with the new players in our ensembles and build more friendships as well as build on my existing relationships,” Laura said.

Those who’ve come to know Laura believe that she’s made a considerable impact within the community and have no doubts that she’ll continue to do so wherever she ends up in the future.

“Not only do I see her becoming a successful music educator but also being as she’s keenly aware of the inequality issues within music and music education, and that in the past four years I’ve watched her really come into her own and learn how to better stand up for change, I believe Laura will also have a tremendously positive impact on her own students one day in regards to certain social issues,” Assistant Professor in Music and Conductor of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Ruth Lin said.