Music Education Major Wins Orchestra Composition Contest

Faith McDowell, a sophomore studying music education, shows her love for Seton Hill in her involvement inside and outside of the classroom. She is vice president of Seton Hill’s chapter of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association as well as a member of Seton Hill’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education. She is a member of Seton Hill’s Marching Band and Setonia, a soprano and alto choir. Faith is also a Griffin Guide, writes for the Setonian magazine and is active in many clubs on campus.

Faith is most proud of how much she has grown as a musician while at Seton Hill. “One of my most challenging pieces so far has been the piece I performed for my spring jury (essentially a final exam for music students) this past semester,” says Faith.

 “I believe I was able to accomplish that because of everything I have learned at Seton Hill."

“I became very frustrated throughout the entire process, but I made a lot of progress and it is now one of my favorite songs because of how much hard work I put it into it. Throughout the entire process, my professors were supportive while pushing me to challenge myself in order to become better.”

“One of my proudest accomplishments was winning the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s Composition Contest,” says Faith. “I believe I was able to accomplish that because of everything I have learned at Seton Hill. Although my courses can be challenging at times, I’m constantly looking forward to what I learn and how it will make me a better musician.”

This story originally appeared in Seton Hill’s alumni magazine, Forward.