BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sept. 29, 2010) — The Bemidji State University Department of Music kicks off its 2010-11 performance season Sunday, Oct. 3, with the annual Carl O. Thompson Memorial concert. The show is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and free for students.

In addition to performances by BSU’s major performing ensembles, the concert will feature student performances by the two winners of the Carl O. Thompson scholarship. Performing this year will be Mathew Verbout, a senior from Grygla, Minn., majoring in vocal performance and mathematics education; and Ben Fleming, a senior from Edina, Minn., majoring in instrumental performance.

Performing ensembles will be:
•    The Bemidji State University Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Erika Svanoe, assistant professor of music and the University’s director of bands. The Wind Ensemble is a group focused on contemporary wind band pieces as well as 20th century concert band classics. The ensemble will play a pair of pieces complemented by visual art from Erik Evensen, adjunct faculty in technological studies.

•    Jazz Band I, directed by Dr. Steve Konecne, professor of instrumental music. Jazz Band I is an auditioned group that tours regionally and has performed in Mexico and Hawaii. Annual performances include “Jingle Jazz Concert,” “Remember When,” a nostalgic look at the Big Band Era, and the BSU Jazz Festival. Jazz Band I will perform four pieces at the concert.

•    The Bemidji Chamber Singers, under the guidance of director Dr. Brad Logan, professor of music, and student director Tony Tammaro, junior in music from Laporte, Minn. The Chamber Singers is an ensemble of 16 singers specializing in literature for small choir, such as early English carols, Renaissance madrigals and chansons and selected contemporary works. The Chamber Singers will perform four pieces at the concert.

•    The Bemidji Choir, founded by Thompson, is under the direction of Logan. The Bemidji Choir has gained a national and international reputation for excellence. In addition to concerts, tours and recordings, the choir produces annual Madrigal Dinners. The Bemidji Choir will perform four pieces at the concert.

Concert proceeds are used to fund two $1,500 Carl O. Thompson Scholarships awarded to outstanding student musicians at BSU.

Thompson came to Bemidji State in 1937 as an instructor in vocal music and eventually founded the A Cappella Choir, the Bemidji Civic Oratorio Society and the Lutheran Campus Center. He lectured each summer for 20 years at the Paul Christiansen Choral Schools throughout the United States and directed numerous high school music clinics and festivals. He was past president of the Minnesota Music Educators Association, director of the First Lutheran Church Choir for 25 years and chair of Bemidji State’s Department of Music for many years.

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

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Oct. 3 – 3 p.m. – Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert presented by Bemidji State University. Location: Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, BSU campus: Admission: $5 adults, $3 senior citizens, free to all students. Information: Department of Music, (218) 755-2915.