Sunday, March 1, 2009

Alumni Spotlight: Louise Bluhm

Louise Bluhm (’50, Associates Degree) has a passion for music that began nearly sixty years ago at Southern Utah University.    
While studying music at SUU, Louise performed in the symphony orchestra and with several choral groups. She warmly remembers professors William “Pa” Manning and Roy Halverson and is grateful to them for instilling a deep love for music that remains with her today. Louise counts performing a piano concerto with the symphony as an important accomplishment while at SUU. 
Following her graduation, she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and teaching from BYU and did coursework for a master’s degree in conducting at the University of Utah. She went on to teach for nine years in the public school system, instilling an appreciation for music in a new generation.
In 1977, Louise reached the pinnacle of her music career when she was selected as a member of the prestigious Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  During her 13 years with the choir, she traveled to many wonderful locations such as Australia, New Zealand, Europe, England, Canada, Brazil and Japan.
Upon leaving the choir, Louise formed her own choral group known as the Salt Lake Harmony Singers. She performed with that group for more than ten years.   
Louise served two LDS missions with her husband Harry and currently works in the Salt Lake Temple. She is an active member of the emeriti organization at the U of U where her late husband taught for 30 years.
Above all of her music accomplishments, Louise is most proud of her family that includes five children and 18 grandchildren. 

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