BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Bemidji State University Department of Music will host auditions for entrance into its music program and music scholarships on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 and Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex on the BSU campus.

The auditions are open to students who plan to enroll at Bemidji State in the fall of 2009 or transfer from another school.

BSU music awards include full-tuition scholarships for Minnesota residents, housing scholarships, renewable $1,000 leadership awards and numerous cash awards between $500 and $2,000 each.

The auditions are open to all talented instrumentalists and vocalists who are interested in the BSU music program. Students also have the option of scheduling auditions on other dates prior to March 2, 2009, or of submitting a recorded audition. Live auditions, however, are required for those students who wish to be considered for full-tuition scholarships.

Bemidji State’s Department of Music has a long and distinguished reputation for musical performance and academic training. Students, regardless of major, may participate in a wide variety of performance settings, including concert band and wind ensemble, jazz bands, orchestra, Bemidji Choir, Chamber Singers, other choral ensembles, operas, musical and chamber music experiences.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and also acknowledged by Steinway & Sons as an “All-Steinway School,” the department offers the bachelor of arts degree in music and the bachelor of science degree in music education.

To schedule an audition or apply for a scholarship, contact coordinator Susan Nelson at (218) 556-5616 or at snelson@bemidjistate.edu.

More information about the Department of Music and scholarship application forms are available on the Bemidji State Web site at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/music.