Dr. Jennifer Olson and Dr. Phong Nguyen assistant professors of music with accompanist Eric Gustafson, adjunct professor of music
On the evening of Dec. 6, the Bemidji community joined Bemidji State’s Department of Music to celebrate a new holiday tradition in support of the university’s music programs.
Almost 100 members of the campus and local community enjoyed performances from BSU’s many music ensembles including the Jazz Combo, Trombone Quartet, Saxophone Quartet, String Ensemble and more while sharing hors d’oeuvres, drinks and dessert throughout the evening. Dr. Phong Nguyen and Dr. Jennifer Olson, assistant professors of music, also performed a number of pieces for the audience.
Dr. Dwight Jilek, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, and members of the Bemidji Choir, an 82-year-old legacy at the university, thanked attendees for their contributions to the Department of Music acknowledging the support for the choir’s triennial international tour set for 2021. Members of the choir compiled and distributed a synopsis of the choir’s recent tour through the Baltic states of Latvia and Estonia in 2018.
Under the direction of Scott Guidry, associate professor of music and director of bands, the BSU Wind Ensemble brought the event to a close with a booming performance of the “Coventry Carol” and a holiday montage of classic Christmas songs including “Frosty the Snowman,” “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”
“It was such a treat,” Rachel Munson, Bemidji State’s digital communications specialist, said. “We have so many gifted students and faculty here and I am always blown away by their talent.”
Program
- “Malcolm Arnold Brass Quintet, Mvt. 1” – performed by the BSU Brass Quintet.
- “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” – performed by the BSU Jazz Atavist with Eric Gustafson, adjunct professor of music.
- “White Christmas” – performed by Dr. Phong Nguyen and Dr. Jennifer Olson, assistant professors of music, accompanied by Gustafson.
- “String Quartet No. 2 in D Major, K. 155” by W.A. Mozart (1756-91) – performed by the BSU String Ensemble.
- “The Lonely Accordion by Boris Mokrosov” (1909-68) – performed Dr. Stephen Carlson, professor and chair of the Department of Music, and John Romer, adjunct instructor of music.
- “Weinachten by Engelbert Humperdinck” (1854-1921) – performed by Carlson and Romer.
- “The Twelve Tunes of Christmas” – performed by the BSU Saxophone Quartet.
- “O Emmanuel” by Andrej Makor – performed by The Bemidji Choir.
- “Carol of the Drum” by Katherine K. Davis– performed by The Bemidji Choir.
- “Jingle Bells” arr. Gordon Langford – performed by the BSU Chamber Singers.
- “In the Bleak Midwinter” – performed by the BSU Woodwind Quintet.
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” – performed by the BSU Woodwind Quintet.
- “Selections” by Vince Guaraldi – performed by the BSU Jazz Atavist with Gustafson.
- “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” – performed by the BSU Clarinet Trio.
- “Jesu Meine Freude” – performed by the BSU Trombone Quartet.
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – performed by Olson and Gustafson.
- “Coventry Carol” – performed by the BSU Wind Ensemble.
- “Christmas Toons” – performed by the BSU Wind Ensemble.
Contact
- Dr. Dwight Jilek, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, dwight.jilek@bemidjistate.edu
Links
Bemidji State University, located amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling more than 5,100 students, Bemidji State offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and eight graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and has a faculty and staff of more than 550. The university’s Shared Fundamental Values include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and international and multicultural understanding. For more, visit bemidjistate.edu or find us at BemidjiState on most of your favorite social media networks.
2020-B-108