Shawn Stemsrud Receives SDACDA Encore Award

Shawn Stemsrud, a graduate of the MHS Class of 2018, received the South Dakota American Choral Directors Association (SDACDA) Encore Award. Stemsrud was recognized for his award during the 2024 Honor Choir and Reunion Alumni Choir Concert held at the Washington Pavilion in downtown Sioux Falls on August 2. The Encore Award recognizes excellence in instruction during the recipient’s first five years of teaching in South Dakota.

Stemsrud is a high school choral director in Brookings. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 2022 with a degree in music education and voice. Before taking the position as choir director at Brookings High School, he served as the vocal music director at Mickelson Middle School, the music director at the SDSU Prairie Repertory Theatre, and the director of music ministry at Faith Reformed Church — all in Brookings. Shawn is the son of Steve and Robin Stemsrud of Stockholm.

The 2024 Reunion Alumni Choir was added to the lineup of events during honor choir week this year in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the South Dakota High School Honor Choir. The group included former honor choir members from 1975-2023. The alumni choir performed four selections and joined the high school honor choir for two additional numbers. The 2024 Reunion Alumni Choir was under the direction of Christopher Aspaas. Aspaas serves as director of choral activities and is an associate professor of music at Texas Christian University. He has also served on the faculties of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Central Washington University, and Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.