BEMIDJI, Minn. (Nov. 30, 2009) — The Department of Music at Bemidji State University will host a pair of concerts this weekend, leading off with the 14th annual Jingle Bell Jazz concert and concluding with a performance by the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.

14th Annual Jingle Bell Jazz
The Jingle Bell Jazz concert, an annual staple at Bemidji State since 1995, features jazz arrangements of well-known holiday favorites performed by BSU Jazz Band I. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students K-12 and senior citizens, and free for BSU students.

The concert will feature familiar Christmas music performed in exciting jazz arrangements. New this year will be a beautiful latin version of “Silver Bells” arranged by George Stone. Also new is an arrangement of “Jingle Bells” recorded by Diana Krall featuring vocalist Mattea Elhard. Other features include vocalists Hyram Price and Ashley Bremseth on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and the John Konecne Jazz Quartet.

The quartet includes John Konecne on saxophone, Caleb Erickson on guitar, Lee Foster on bass and Doug Quance on drums.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will present their concert, “Small Town, Big City,” on Monday, Dec. 7. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Theatre of Bemidji State’s Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students K-12 and senior citizens, and free for BSU students.

The concert will feature works which reflect life in America’s small towns, contrasted with music inspired by New York City.

The Symphonic Band will be performing music inspired by small towns including “Down a Country Lane” by Aaron Copland, “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by John Zdechlik, and “American Folk Rhapsody No. 4” by Claire Grundman.

The Wind Ensemble will feature music of the big city including “George Washington Bridge” by William Schuman, and “Avenue X” by New York composer Jonathan Newman.

For more information on Jingle Bell Jazz, please contact the Department of Music at (218) 755- 2915.

For more information about the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band concert, please contact Dr. Erika Svanoe, director of bands, at (218) 755-3365.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Dec. 5 – 3 p.m. – 14th annual Jingle Bell Jazz concert presented by Bemidji State University Jazz I. Location: Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, BSU campus. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and K-12 students and free for all BSU students.

Dec. 7 – 7:30 p.m. – Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band concert, “Small Town, Big City. Location: Main Theatre of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, BSU campus. Admission: free.