Spring awakening: BHSU has music for those who listen

BHSU Choir performing at Baroque Choral Concert

Black Hills State University is ready to kick off its spring musical season. A variety of concerts, events and competitions with various genres of music are scheduled throughout the semester, and BHSU music faculty say there is something for everyone.

The first event this spring, the Jeanne Higgins Memorial Showcase Concert, is Saturday, Feb. 6 in Meier Recital Hall 8 p.m., starting with a social hour at 7 p.m.

Dr. David Berberick, assistant professor of music and director of bands, said BHSU is an art hub for the community.

"This concert is in memory of Jeanne Higgins, a longtime supporter of the music department, in whose name a memorial fund has recently been created. This concert recognizes her contributions to BHSU and serves as our kick off to a million dollar campaign for music scholarships," said Berberick.

There will be a social hour beginning at 7 p.m. featuring lighter musical selections performed by Dr. Symeon Waseen and Dr. Nancy Roberts. Dessert and wine will be available. The concert will follow at 8 p.m. featuring the Dakota Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Concert Band.

"Entrance is free to almost all the events-the exception is the Madrigal Dinner in the fall semester, otherwise events are in general free with an option to donate at the door," added Dr. Jonathan Nero, assistant professor of music.

"This concert will be special in a way that the whole department will be involved. Most of our concerts are choir concerts, or chamber orchestra concerts, or band concerts. This one will have every music student performing at the concert," said Nero.

Other concerts part of the BHSU music department's spring line-up include a vocal recital with guest artists and a trumpet recital. On the question whether we will see more faculty members performing this semester Nero replied:

"Yes! Dr. Hahn is doing a trumpet recital this semester Dr. Roberts and I will be performing along with a solo artist that will be coming in March, and Dr. Waseen often accompanies ensembles. Dr. Roberts will be a solo during our spring concert and on our tour concert, so we all do a little bit of performing too."'  

Concert choir will be doing an invited performance for the North Central American Choral Director's Association Conference, six-day conference, participating in the final concert of the event with the South Dakota Symphony in Sioux Falls. Tickets for the final concert are still available. For more information contact Jonathan.Nero@BHSU.edu.

Nero and Berberick both mentioned the music department has a really loyal audience coming to most of the events - community members mainly from Spearfish, and friends and family of the performers which will vary from concert to concert.

Events in Spring 2016 with the Music Department:

• Feb. 6 - Music Dept. Fundraiser Showcase Kickoff Concert 8:00 p.m. with a Social Cocktail hour 7 p.m.
• Feb. 18 - BH Area Music Teachers Assn. Student Recital 6:30 p.m.
• Feb. 25 - Christopher Hahn Faculty Trumpet Recital 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 29 - BH Bands Concert, 7:30 p.m.
• March 8 - Band Festival (All Day)
• March 16 - Bob Jones & Friends Guest Vocal Recital 7:30 p.m.
• March 19 - Mila Belakova Guest Piano Recital 7:30 p.m.
• April 7 - BH Women's Choir & Belle Fourche HS Women&rsquos Choir Joint Concert 7:30 p.m.
• April 9 - Kirk Hauck Senior Voice Recital 7:30 p.m.
• April 10 - Dakota Chamber Orchestra 2:30 p.m.
• April 11 - Festival of Men's Voices Concert 6:30 p.m.
• April 12 - Northern Hills Chamber Chorale 7:30 p.m.
• April 14 - Jazz Ensemble 7:30 p.m.
• April 16 - Young Vocal Artists Competition (All Day, Rapid City--First Congregational Church)
• April 24 - BH Choirs Concert 2:30 p.m.
• April 28 - Orchestra and Arranging Student Concert 7:30 p.m.
• April 30 - BH Area Music Teachers Assn. Festival
• April 30 - BH Bands Concert 7:30 p.m.

All events will be held in the Clare and Josef Meier Recital Hall on the BHSU campus unless otherwise noted. Check the BHSU calendar at www.BHSU.edu/Events to confirm concert dates and times.