BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Bemidji State University Honor Band composed of top high school musicians, together with the BSU Wind Ensemble, will perform in concert at 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Main Theatre of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.

The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Participating in the BSU Honor band will be high school musicians representing 15 high schools primarily in Minnesota, but also Manitoba. Nominations to participate come from high school band directors. Students will arrive at BSU on Friday, Jan. 23, to begin rehearsals. In addition, participants will attend a BSU Chamber Recital, rehearse in sectionals with BSU Wind Ensemble members and attend social activities.

The Honor Band concert program will include a variety of unique and thought-provoking pieces, including: “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli in honor of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School; “Old Churches” by Michael Colgrass in which the ensemble imitates the sounds of monks performing ancient Gregorian chant; and “Three Folk Miniatures” by Andre Jutras, a collection of French-Canadian folk songs.

The BSU Wind Ensemble will perform Alfred Reed’s “Armenian Dances Part 1” and Igor Stravinsky’s “Circus Polka.”

Both ensembles will perform under the direction of Dr. Darrin Oehlerking, who is in his first year as BSU director of bands. He conducts the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Jazz I, as well as teaches instrumental conducting. He previously taught junior and senior high school in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as well as directed bands and jazz bands at the University of Manitoba and Iowa Wesleyan College.

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

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Jan. 24 – 4 p.m. – Bemidji State University Honor Band representing area high school students and BSU Wind Ensemble present a combined concert. Location: Main Theatre of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, Bemidji State campus. Admission: free.