2024 Outstanding Musician – Allie Morken
Maranatha Baptist University’s Department of Music announces Allie Morken as the 2024 Outstanding Senior Musician. Every year, the music faculty choose a graduate they believe exhibits the spirit of Maranatha through music. Considerations include the student’s musicianship, academic merit, spiritual and character qualities, and Christian service.
Morken pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with concentrations in Piano Pedagogy and Early Childhood Music. While completing this degree, she worked in the Maranatha Music Prep School. As an intern, she taught private and group music lessons to students of various ages. In addition, she participated in many facets of Maranatha’s Music Department. During her school years, she toured with many of Maranatha’s musical groups and took leadership roles in them. In the Symphonic Band, she served as vice president and the percussion section leader. In the Madrigal Choir, she worked as the alto section leader and the Handbell Choir director.
“When I look back over the last four years of working with Allie Morken,” comments Ruth Brown, “I am struck by her consistent diligence, her insatiable desire to learn and improve, her love for Christ, and her humble spirit. When a faculty member needs a dependable person to cover a job, Allie is one of the first names that comes to mind. Allie can be counted on to do her best and to show up when she says she’ll be there. I have worked with her in private piano lessons over these four years and have seen weekly growth in technique and musicality. This thorough investment in the college experience has prepared her for great things ahead. God gives us good gifts in students like Allie!”
“Allie Morken is a hard-working, focused, and driven individual,” adds Dr. David Brown, Morken’s band and choir director. “From day one until graduation, she has taken her work extremely seriously, and she has always given her utmost attention to every assignment. Allie’s desire for excellence is quite evident in all her endeavors. Her recital was played beautifully, which was a public demonstration of her exemplary work ethic. Additionally, Allie has taken on leadership roles in our department and has excelled. Her fearless, “can-do” attitude has afforded her many successful opportunities during her undergraduate studies here at MBU. Best of all, she’s a humble person. She’s not afraid to ask for help when she doesn’t know how to do a task. Allie has also been a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church and uses her talents selflessly there. I first met Allie in Minnesota 5 years ago while Madrigal was on tour. I knew then that she was going to make an impact on our university and specifically on our Music Department. I’m thankful that God led Allie our way, and I’m very excited about her new endeavors as a graduate of our Music Department!”
After graduation, Allie plans to stay in the area. At Maranatha, Allie will work as administrative assistant in two academic departments and will continue teaching in the Music Prep School.
Congratulations to Maranatha’s 2024 Outstanding Senior Musician – Allie Morken.