Heather Aune,

Heather Aune is an Assistant Professor of Music at Valley City State University, North Dakota where she directs the Concert Choir and the University Singers. In addition to her conducting duties, she teaches courses in Choral Methods, Music in the Elementary School, History of Popular Music, and Class Piano. She previously taught general music and choir for Jamestown Public Schools and served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Jamestown, North Dakota. A graduate of the University of Jamestown (Bachelor of Music Education degree) and the University of Mary (Master of Art with an emphasis in Conducting and Composition degree), she is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Choral Conducting at North Dakota State University. Beyond the classroom, Aune has served as director and vice president of the Jamestown Community Choir, and the state chair for the North Dakota American Choral Directors Association’s Surround the State in Song. She has also appeared as a frequent guest conductor, adjudicator, and accompanist across North Dakota. On occasion, she also performs professionally with Dakota Pro Musica. Her musical career began in Contemporary Christian music as a singer, keyboardist, and songwriter with the band GoofyFooted/All New Creation. With this group, she recorded four Nashville-produced albums—Paid in Full (2010), Let It Go (2010), Goofyfooted (2006), and Rescue Me (2005)—and performed as an opening act for artists including Jeremy Camp, MercyMe, Kutless, Collin Raye, and Bryan White. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Aune recently enhanced her conducting skills through a symposium with University of Michigan faculty Dr. Eugene Rogers, Dr. Matthew Abernathy, and Dr. Julie Skadsem. She remains an active member of ACDA, NDMEA, and NAfME, where she continues to explore innovative approaches to inspire and advance music education. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.