Kris Tjornehoj, a longtime music professor at UW-River Falls, leads UW-River Falls musicians during a performance in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building on Oct. 6 as part of the university’s homecoming celebration. Tjornehoj, who is active in other regional music endeavors, is retiring after 31 years at the university and 44 teaching music. UWRF photo 
 

Concert to celebrate retirement of longtime music teacher 

Kristin Tjornehoj to retire after 44 years of infusing others with a love for music  

Dec. 10, 2024 - An upcoming music concert at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will provide attendees with holiday cheer and also serve as a tribute to longtime music Professor Kristin Tjornehoj, who will retire after 31 years of teaching students at the university.  
  
The UWRF Symphony, conducted by Tjornehoj, and the University Band, led by Gary Bird, will perform a number of Christmas favorites, including “Sleigh Bells” and “Sleigh Ride,” during a concert at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, in William Abbott Concert Hall in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls. Special guests include the St. Croix Valley Flute Collective, led by Dennis Hartung.  
  
Tickets are $8/adults, $5/seniors and $2/students and are available at the door. A reception following the concert will be held at Junior’s Restaurant & Tap House, 414 S. Main St., River Falls.  
  
The concert celebrates Tjornehoj’s retirement after 44 years teaching music. In addition to her time at UWRF, she also spent 13 years as a Hudson School District music instructor. Thousands of students have been influenced by and worked with Tjornehoj as she has taught regional, state, and international honors groups, clinics and tours for students and adults. 
  
“I love serving the greater St. Croix Valley with music and creating community opportunities to connect and shine,” she said.  
  
Tjornehoj will help lead another holiday-themed concert on Sunday, Dec. 15. The St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra concert, “A Christmas Extravaganza,” is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minn. Clark Weyrauch will collaborate with Tjornehoj for the event, which is free and open to the public. 
  
With Tjornehoj’s retirement, future performances will occur under the St. Croix Sounds umbrella, using the fiscal agent ArtReach St. Croix. For more information, visit those organization’s websites and Facebook pages, or contact Tjornehoj at 715-410-7410 or kristin.tjornehoj@gmail.com. 
  
Tjornehoj has longtime roots in the St. Croix region. She grew up in New Richmond and currently resides in Hudson. She earned her music degrees at Luther College and the University of Minnesota.  
  
Motivated by education, music, and leadership endeavors, Tjornehoj said she creates and embraces opportunities to let others learn, grow, and excel in and out of the classroom. As she retires from teaching, Tjornehoj said she will continue to offer concerts, engage community, provide lectures and podcasts, and create tours for musicians and cultural/food seekers domestically and abroad.    
  
“Quality living involves finding oneself by learning and growing,” she said. “I have used the tools of music and education to make the world a better place, one individual at a time.”