BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Wind Ensemble, together with the Northern Minnesota Honor Band composed of top high school musicians, will perform in concert at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Main Theatre of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex. The performance is free and open to the public.

Participating in the Northern Minnesota Honor band will be high school musicians representing 14 high schools, primarily in Northern Minnesota but also as far away as Pennsylvania. Nominations to participate come from high school band directors. Students will arrive at BSU on Feb. 8 to begin rehearsals. In addition, participants will observe BSU rehearsals, attend a BSU Chamber Recital, rehearse in sectionals with BSU Wind Ensemble members and attend social activities.

The high school students will perform four pieces including “Sea Songs” by Ralph Vaughan Williams and “Russian Sailors Dance” by Reinhold Gliere. The BSU Wind Ensemble will perform Bob Margolis’ “Terpichore” and then combine with the high school musicians for two selections. Both groups will perform under the direction of Dr. Joel Pugh, director of bands at BSU.

Pugh’s conducting career encompasses the wind band, brass band and chamber settings. Frequently called upon as a clinician for high school bands, he has worked with bands throughout the East coast and Midwest. He is active as a performer on both euphonium and trombone and has served as the principle euphonium in both the Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band and the Brass Band of Columbus. He has appeared in concert settings at various universities including Louisiana State University, the Ohio State University, the University of Southern Mississippi and McNeese State University. He recently served on the Brass Congress at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

For more information, contact the Department of Music at (218) 755-2915.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 9 – 4 p.m. – Northern Minnesota Honor Band representing area high school students and Bemidji State University Wind Ensemble present a combined concert. Location: Main Theatre of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, Bemidji State campus. Admission: free.