Kristin Tjornehoj. Photo: University of Wisconsin-River Falls
“The most important thing that you can do in the whole world is to give back to your community,” says Kristin Tjornehoj, a lifelong resident, musician and teacher in the St. Croix Valley.
A saxophonist and pianist by trade, Tjornehoj invests her time and talents teaching at University of Wisconsin-River Falls and conducting numerous community choirs, bands and symphonies, including St. Croix Valley Community Band, which she founded in 1982. In the summer, she conducts free, outdoor concerts throughout the Valley. “That is my vision, and all I really, truly know is that what you invest in your community comes back to you bountifully,” Tjornehoj says
Tjornehoj also serves on the music education grants committee at the St. Croix Valley Foundation, helping select grantees. Since its inception through a generous donation 20 years ago, the program has granted more than $614,000 to schools throughout the region to enhance the quality of music education for K–12 students.
“Charitable giving is the way that you can sustain the quality of life in your region,” Tjornehoj says. “And whether it’s scholarships, family foundations, special interest groups or special interest events—all of those things really come together to bless the region.”
To learn more about free, outdoor concerts in the Valley, visit kristintjornehoj.com.
Alauna Yust is the marketing communications manager for the St. Croix Valley Foundation. To learn more about the St. Croix Valley Foundation and more ways to give where you live, visit scvfoundation.org.
