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Luverne pianist receives state award

Lead Summary
By
Lori Sorenson

Luverne’s Dolly Talbert received the Advocate for Choral Excellence Award from the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota.
“Dolly has given of her remarkable gift of music to many throughout our community,” said Luverne choral director Seana Graber, who nominated Talbert for the award.
“Dolly is certainly the heart and soul of our choirs and I am so grateful I have the opportunity to collaborate with her.”
Talbert directed Luverne High School’s choral department from 1970 to 1993 and has spent her retirement accompanying school music groups and individual student performances, in addition to church and community musical events.
“My gratitude goes to Seana for thinking so much of the small work I do for her and the choirs that I accompany,” Talbert said.
“I am so honored to receive the award and can only hope that God allows me to continue to help Seana for a few more years.” 
Talbert was honored with the ACE award during a banquet last month at St. Olaf College in Northfield where Graber spoke of Talbert’s contributions to music.
“When Dolly walks in the choir room, my students are so excited to see her. When she sits down at the piano, I know the magic will begin,” said Graber, who is Talbert’s former student.
“I love that Dolly will give input on what we are working on and will interact with the choirs during rehearsal. I trust and value Dolly’s ideas and opinions and I trust her working with my students. She only wants my students to grow and be successful and that is what I want for my students too.”
This professional admiration is mutual.
“It has been my pleasure and honor to work with her, especially since she was once my student,” Talbert said.
“Now we have come full circle and I am thrilled with what she does with all of her vocal students.”
The ACE Award program was first established in 2008, and has recognized 78 noteworthy individuals or advocates within a geographic region for their outstanding contributions to the choral arts within their communities. 
Seven advocates from all corners of the state were honored at the 2019 event.
Graber said she was pleased to see Talbert recognized by her peers.
“Dolly is like family to me and I know she means a lot to my students as well,” Graber said.
“I love working with Dolly and I am so happy I had the opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions Dolly has given to my choirs and to our community by presenting the ACE Award to her.”

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