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Ann Armbruster

Student Profile: Ann Armbruster

Ann Armbruster used to play the edge of the bathtub as a piano and dance to the Nutcracker.

Now a music education major, she wants to use music to help others by earning her master's degree in music therapy.

“Music can heal, sustain, inspire and rejuvenate,” the senior says. “Music therapy brings music to a variety of people, including people with special needs, the elderly and drug users. Music has brought so much to my life, and it can help other people, too.”

Armbruster was attracted to Alma's campus because of the warm and friendly atmosphere. She credits her professors as crucial to her success.

Ann Armbruster

“The music program allows for a lot of contact with faculty members, which helps when looking for guidance and exploring opportunities,” she says. “The program gave me training in the wide array of knowledge and skills.”

A cello player, Armbruster picked her instrument in fifth grade.

“When it came time to pick an instrument in fifth grade, I had my heart set on violin, but I was told I had to try all the instruments,” she says. “When I played the cello, we clicked.”

In addition to her music major, Armbruster is a member of the Alma College Union Board. She performs with the Alma Symphony Orchestra and the Alma College String Quartet, teaches the local high- and middle-school string programs and gives private cello lessons.

 

Spring Term at Alma is a one-month immersion on a single academic topic that offers learning experiences not typically available during the more traditional 15-week fall and winter terms. For example, during Spring Term ‘07 students explored important cultural sites in China, worked to restore a Jewish Holocaust cemetery in Poland, analyzed ethic politics in Scotland, and studied medieval literature in London.

 

Graduate Profile

Kristen Dubenion-Smith

Kristen Dubenion-Smith
Graduation: 2002
Major: Music Performance

Kristen Dubenion-Smith has been singing ever since she could speak. Her talent coupled with an Alma College education has made her dreams come true.

Dubenion-Smith is a professional musician for the American Opera Theater company and lives in Baltimore, Md.