Marlene Wahlin, retired music teacher at Henning Public School, recently received the Advocate for Choral Excellence (ACE) Award from the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota.

Wahlin was nominated by ACDA-MN member and Northwest District Chair Laura Quiantance, for her 18 years of teaching K-12 music in Henning, and for her exemplary musical accomplishments and remarkable impact he had on hundreds of students, spanning nearly two decades, in the Henning area.

“When I think about Marlene, I always think first and foremost of her kindness. She is always giving of herself and her time in the form of accompanying choirs, giving voice lessons, playing for solo/ensemble contest, and substitution teaching. And she does so with integrity and a kind heart,” said Quaintance.

Wahlin received the award at a banquet held at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., on August 3 with six other advocates from all corners of Minnesota.

The ACE Award program was established in 2008 and has recognized 100 noteworthy individuals or advocates within a geographic region for their outstanding contributions to the choral arts within their communities. 

“The ACE Awards highlight the incredible accomplishments of music educators and advocates in communities of every size throughout the state,” said ACDA-MN Board Chair Jerry Upton.

ACDA of Minnesota’s mission is to inspire and support a community of choral musicians throughout the state. It is a professional organization serving over 750 choral directors who lead choirs in academic institutions (K-university), communities, and houses of worship throughout the state. Information about the ACE Awards can be found at ACDA-MN.org