ABOUT SHAWN (he/him)
Shawn Neisen is currently a graduate student at North Dakota State University, where he is pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Choral Conducting. He recently completed his Master's of Music degree in Choral Conducting there as well, having studied under Dr. Jo Ann Miller, Dr. Dwight Jilek, and Dr. Michael Weber.

Prior to his current studies, Shawn taught five years of K-12 General and Vocal Music in Battle Lake, Minnesota. He is also an accomplished pianist, having served as an accompanist for soloists, and larger ensembles.

Shawn received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. There, he studied under Dr. René Clausen and Dr. Michael Culloton.

Shawn believes music is so important because it serves as one of the best tools for self expression. There are so many genres of music and so many ways to perform and instruments to play, that truly anyone can be a musician!

SHAWN'S MUSICAL EXPERIENCES
Shawn is in the NDSU Concert Choir and also helps out the other choirs at NDSU. He played keyboard in Jazz Bands all through high school, including the St. Cloud All-Area Jazz Band, and Jazz Combo both based out of St. Cloud, MN. Shawn regularly plays for Church services in the area, as well as Weddings and Funerals. In his time at Concordia College, Shawn sang in the Concordia Chapel Choir and The Concordia Choir.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 DESERT ALBUMS?
While I don't think I could narrow it down to albums, I think I can narrow down to composers.

• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Sir John Tavener
• Hans Zimmer
• Dan Forrest
• Craig Hella Johnson

These composers have been very influential to me as a musician!

WHY DO YOU LOVE MUSIC?
Music is a great way to connect with other people! It's also a great avenue to explore your creativity and expression!

WHAT SHAWN DOES FOR FUN
I like to play video games on the gaming PC that I built! My current favorite is Rainbow Six Siege!

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