Alongside having some of the most virtuosic musicians in St. Paul's music scene, Cherry Spoon Collective has been lucky to utilize the help of some incredibly talented students from the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. One of these students is Jacqueline Johnston, a sophomore at St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, who has been instrumental in creating the logo and images associated with Cherry Spoon Collective. We sat down with Jacqueline to find out more about her musical background and approach to arts.
Mary Ellen Childs, a multi-award-winning and widely known composer based out of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, has been quite successful in drawing positive attention to her music. Named a 2011 USA Friends Fellow, she has received commissions from the Kronos Quartet, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Kitchen, and the Walker Art Center, among others. Childs composes concert work, often with a strong visual element, for a variety of instrumental ensembles, including solo accordion, string quartets, and chamber groups.
James Stephenson, ACF board member, is Composer-in-Residence with the Lake Forest Symphony. His works have been performed by leading American orchestras and hailed by critics as having “straightforward, unabashedly beautiful sounds” and "Stephenson deserves to be heard again and again!" (Boston Herald). Before moving to Lake Forest as a full-time composer, Stephenson spent 17 seasons with the Naples (FL) Philharmonic as a trumpeter.
David Conte is a composer and Professor of Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. David serves on the ACF board of directors and the program committee.
The American Composers Forum is quite lucky to have you as part of the board of directors. What made you decide to become a part of the American Composers Forum?
David Ranheim is a retired Dorsey & Whitney trial lawyer and has been an ACF board member since 1996. He and his wife, Judy, are active in the new music community and are founding members of the Minnesota Commissioning Club. Mr. Ranheim also served for many years as a Macalester Trustee and chaired the board, and has chaired the ACF board twice.
Ten minutes after sitting down to a tiny table in a tiny Afghani restaurant, Peter O’Gorman scouts the menu for lunch. This is, in all probability, his first meal of the day and might only be moments after waking, although his kempt appearance in a navy sweater would never give him away.
Stephen serves on the ACF board of directors and the education committee. He is a research and development professional with General Mills and plays saxophone in the company jazz band, The G-Naturals.
Why are you involved with the ACF? How did you first hear about the Forum?
Dawn Avery is a cellist, vocalist and composer of Mohawk descent, Avery performs Native American music with her band and premieres solo and chamber music in collaboration with the First Nations Composers Initiative. She is Professor of Music at Montgomery College where she produces an annual World Arts Festival.
What sparked your interest in music? Do you have an early musical memory?
Pearl Bergad is a lover of international music and culture. Specifically, Pearl is interested in the idea of blending Chinese styles with western traditions. Outside of ACF, Pearl is a retired, long-time research molecular biologist at the University of Minnesota. Currently, Pearl serves as the Executive Director of the Chinese Heritage Foundation.
Why are you involved with the ACF? How did you first hear about the Forum?
Ten minutes after sitting down to a tiny table in a tiny Afghani restaurant, Peter O’Gorman scouts the menu for lunch. This is, in all probability, his first meal of the day and might only be moments after waking, although his kempt appearance in a navy sweater would never give him away. 
Dan Thomas serves on the ACF board of directors and the advancement committee. He is the Executive Director of 
Dawn Avery is a cellist, vocalist and composer of Mohawk descent, Avery performs Native American music with her band and premieres solo and chamber music in collaboration with the First Nations Composers Initiative. She is Professor of Music at Montgomery College where she produces an annual World Arts Festival.