Alondra Bahls, BME/BM student, received an Arts Advocacy Award from the Florida Higher Education Arts Network on January 26.
The award was presented at the state capitol in Tallahassee for National Arts Advocacy Day. Alondra was also asked to play a duet with another award recipient from the University of Florida.
In addition, José Fernández, dean of the UCF College of Arts and Humanities, was unanimously voted to Emeritus recognition by the Florida Higher Education Arts Network.
In summer 2014, Alondra attended the National Association for Music Education Advocacy Summit and Hill Day, where she was the only representative from the state of Florida. She is currently the advocacy chair for the state board of the Florida Collegiate National Association for Music Education and president-elect of the UCF Chapter. She is also president of the Flute Club at UCF.
Alondra believes advocacy is a vital part of any music educator’s profession. Through research and involvement, she has learned that proactive steps are needed for music education to thrive.