Sayra Siverson Salter – 2009 Horizon Award Recipient
Sayra Siverson Salter graduated from Augustana in 1995 with a BA in music education, with an emphasis in vocal and instrumental conducting. She earned a Master of Music Degree in Orchestral Conducting in 1998 from the University of New Mexico. At that time, she joined the staff of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program and began a successful seven-year tenure in the public school system. Sayra is in her eighth year as conductor of the Albuquerque Youth Orchestra; she also has served as a guest conductor of the University of New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.
As a champion of new music, Sayra has commissioned and performed world premieres by American composers such as Jeremy Hegg (Augustana alumnus and classmate) and composer and author Dr. Michael Schelle. In 2006, AYSP was the only youth program and one of six US orchestras awarded the opportunity to work with a composer-in-residence from Music Alive, a project of the American Symphony Orchestra League and Meet the Composer. Through this residency, Siverson conducted the world premiere of Vox Humana.
Sayra’s musical talents extend beyond the podium: A member of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra from 1989 until 2005, under the direction of Henry Charles Smith, she has served as substitute trumpet with the Santa Fe and New Mexico Symphony Orchestras. She also teaches trumpet lessons in her private studio.
Sayra has been noted for her dedication to creative programming and her focus on educational outreach. Along with her regular season performances and tours, she is active in the community life of Albuquerque, acting as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician at local schools and music events.
Sayra is a native of Canton, SD. She and her husband Marc have two children, Olivia and Sterling. In her spare time, Sayra enjoys training and competing with her horse, Lucky Khantender, taking cello lessons with her daughter, studying taekwondo, and traveling with her family.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of Sayra’s gift is that she has offered (it) to the world through the heart of a teacher. I can think of no greater act than to share what you have been blessed with among those who are just beginning to discover their musical world.” – James Johnson, Professor of Music, Augustana College