The small beautiful campus was a major incentive for Alice Hammel ’87, ’99 to attend Shenandoah. Hammel was also drawn to the university because it was close to Washington, D.C. and especially because of the conservatory. She liked Shenandoah so much she decided to pursue graduate school there as well. She enjoyed the flexibility the programs offered and their faculty. “I adored my teachers at SU (both times) and am very grateful for their guidance and willingness to let me choose my own path,” said Hammel.
Being a multitasking music professional and writer, Hammel has her hands full. She is passionate about teaching music to students with special needs. She is flute teacher, who has a large studio for middle and high school students and just recently finished up her thirty-seventh year of teaching. “I have had many articles published in the field of music and education and have had five books published by Oxford University Press,” said Hammel. Her work is so well known that she has been asked to present her research and ideas to teachers at conferences around the world.
After having the opportunity to study at Shenandoah for her undergraduate and graduate degrees, said Hammel, “The professional behaviors I learned have been very important during my teaching career.”
“Shenandoah was the perfect school for me as an undergraduate because the faculty was nurturing and supportive,” said Hammel.
Hammel’s advice for future students is: “Learn something new every day of your life. Be grateful for where you are no matter where that is. Always thank your teachers.”