The School of Music and Dance announces Outstanding Students

Arwyn Higgins: Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Dance

Arwyn Higgins, an outstanding undergraduate in dance with a minor in communication, aspires to work for a dance company in the U.S. or Europe after graduation. She hopes to obtain her Master’s degree and Ph.D. and eventually become a teacher in higher education.

Higgins was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, participated in the Spring 2024 SDSU Student Research Symposium, and was involved in Dance Club, the Faculty-Student Mentorship Program, and worked at her home dance studio during breaks from school.

Higgins said the faculty member who has had the strongest impact on her education was Professor Joseph Alter, who she said has not only been a phenomenal educator to her, but also a father figure.

Higgins’ advice to incoming students: give everyone and everything a chance and trust the process – you will end up where you’re meant to be.

Kinsey Claudino: Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Music

Kinsey Claudino, an outstanding undergraduate in music, entrepreneurship, and business, aspires to work in the music industry, supporting artists through a record label or working on a marketing team.

Claudino has been involved in SDSU music ensembles such as the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Big Band, Trombone Euphonium Choir, Trombone Quartet, marching band, and pep band. Additionally, she has been involved in Aztec Music Group, Women’s Rugby, and Tau Beta Sigma, SDSU’s music service sorority.

Claudino has also interned at La Jolla Music Society, The Music Company, and Belly Up Presents, learning to be proactive and build her task management skills.

Claudino said her most influential faculty member was Dr. Eric Starr, the professor she said she knows she can always rely on, and the one who has always been in her corner.

Her advice to incoming students: college is what you make of it, and having a support system is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Andrew Ginzel: Outstanding Graduate Student from the Critical Studies in Music Program

Andrew Ginzel, an outstanding graduate in critical studies in music, conducted a research project that examines Fleetwood Mac’s resurgence in contemporary culture through memes, online trends, and musical techniques as a reflection of a cultural longing for counter-cultural ideals.

Ginzel aspires to pursue a career in teaching. As a music educator, he is passionate about helping people become well-rounded musicians who are technically proficient, creatively confident, and deeply aware of their unique voices and purpose. 

He hopes to prepare his students to navigate diverse genres and equip them for meaningful and sustainable careers in the music industry.

Ginzel also aspires to contribute to the scholarship of American popular music in the intersection of countercultures and musical expression, and hopes to become a published author in academic journals and eventually write a book on these topics.

Ginzel said his academic advisor, Eric Smigel, has played a crucial role in helping him develop as a writer, providing him the support and guidance to refine his skills and strengthen his academic work at SDSU.