![Annika Torkelson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738172868/mcgillisschoolorg/cgq34j9hc5ekorydktx3/TorkelsonAnnika.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738172868/mcgillisschoolorg/cgq34j9hc5ekorydktx3/TorkelsonAnnika.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738172868/mcgillisschoolorg/cgq34j9hc5ekorydktx3/TorkelsonAnnika.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1738172868/mcgillisschoolorg/cgq34j9hc5ekorydktx3/TorkelsonAnnika.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1738172868/mcgillisschoolorg/cgq34j9hc5ekorydktx3/TorkelsonAnnika.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738172868/mcgillisschoolorg/cgq34j9hc5ekorydktx3/TorkelsonAnnika.jpg","width":2048}])
Music Teacher
at McGillis since 2018
Contact Annika Torkelson: atorkelson@mcgillisschool.org
Education:
B.A., Instrumental Music Education, Gustavus Adolphus College
B.A., Choral Music Education, Gustavus Adolphus College
Bio:
I am a proud Minnesota native but have fallen in love with the mountains and life of the west. I started my teaching career in 2008 and have taught choir, band, strings, and general music for two-year-olds to 12th graders. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and hiking.
Favorite McGillis lunch:
I love all the soups!
Favorite McGillis moment:
My favorite moments at McGillis are when I hear tunes echoing in the staircase or hallway because students are making up their own melodies or the music from class has become part of someone's life.
The defining moment that led to your career in education:
I've had many wonderful teachers over the years. I remember every single music teacher and through their passion and joy for learning and teaching, I fell in love with education.
What is a powerful moment you experienced at school?
For me, every single performance is a powerful moment. For example, in 2019 the Trimester 3 Chorus group performed for two separate kindergarten classes. The first performance was rocky and the students seemed unsure and hesitant. However, just a few minutes later in our second performance, the feeling changed completely. Students were confident, a little more relaxed and the performance was smooth. I was so proud of them for being brave, working through their mistakes, and pulling off a successful and wonderful performance!