30 Years of Service: Carla Trynchuk

Professor of Music, Department of Music

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In her 30 years of teaching at Andrews University, Carla has developed a fine reputation not only for her artistry as a violinist but for her excellent teaching and warm mentoring of students. Her mentoring starts even before a student considers attending Andrews: Immediately upon learning about prospective students, Carla pursues regular communication that conveys interest in them as people and lays a foundation for motivation to excel. A significant creative and professional outcome of a connection between teacher and student will be heard in the Andrews community on March 12 when Carla solos with the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Chris Wild, in the premiere performance of Violin Concerto No. 2 “Teshuah” by former Andrews University student and accomplished composer James Lee III.

A colleague shared, “Thank you, Carla, for your wonderful contributions to our campus community with your own artistry, but even more so through the way you lead your students to achieve such high levels of excellence. Your guidance is self-evident each time your students make music across our campus, and particularly at the annual Young Artists Competition, where each of your students is worthy of participation in the final concert. They adore you as a teacher, but it is also wonderful to witness how they trust you as a mentor and friend.”

Another colleague expressed appreciation to Carla, commenting, “It’s been a pleasure to work with you, and it’s been inspiring to see you and the accomplishments of the high caliber students you attract to Andrews University year after year. Your pedagogy is amazingly manifest in their continued development under your tutelage. You are a consummate mentor to your students and their friends. Your high expectations are self-evident in each of them. You model professionalism, comradery and spirituality. As you know, we share the musical contributions of each other’s students, and it is precious to see how they engage and coach each other in the same manner you have taught them. Thank you for being a proactive traveler with us in the department, providing honest and positive foment from within our ranks—you’ve never just been along for the ride. Thank you for your altruistic desire to strive for the highest positive outcome for each of us in the department.”

Thank you, Carla, for your excellent mentoring and leadership for the last 30 years!