Meet F&C Scholar Anna Brummell

Anna Brummell, a vocal music education major, is the alto choral scholar at First and Calvary. Anna, a December 2023 MSU graduate, is now substitute teaching. 

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Anna had a hugely successful college career, distinguishing herself through her hard work and diligent character. She graduated summa cum laude and held multiple campus leadership positions, including chorale social chair and recruitment chair, chorale section leader, chairperson of the Grand Committee, and University Ambassador.  

Her career goal is to work as a choral conductor. She says, “My plan is to teach for around three years, get my master's and doctorate, and find a university job.” Her passion for conducting began in high school after conducting her high school choir in a concert.  

Describing conducting’s appeal, Anna says, “I love performing. I love sharing that with an audience. But I think it’s a special and very connective thing to perform for the people who are also engaged in the music making process. I think I get more out of it because it feels like I’m really giving everything.” 

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She has built this passion and talent in her role at First and Calvary. As a choral scholar, she is the choir alto section leader, part of the bell choir, and has conducted the choir in a Sunday morning service. 

The incorporation of Christianity in choral music has played a big part in shaping Anna’s faith. After explaining that she grew up Catholic, Anna says, “I went through a phase in college where I didn’t want anything to do with religion. Choral music … its foundations are in the Catholic church. It’s so rooted in Christianity that I think being able to accept my roots and the idea of faith has freed me up to the art, too.” 

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Anna joined the scholar’s program because she likes “how connected First and Calvary is with the arts and with Missouri State.” She adds, “Not only do they give me a job that’s in line with my career, but just being able to use the space there – they’re very generous to young people.”