BHSU Music and Theatre plan for a series of great performances this semester

BHSU Concert Choir performing

The Black Hills State University Music and Theatre Departments have a variety of entertaining performances set for the spring semester. Performances will include several senior recitals, plays, workshops, and more. All events are located in the Clare and Josef Meier Recital Hall and are free to community and students, unless noted.

The Black Hills State University Music and Theatre Departments have a variety of entertaining performances set for the spring semester. Performances will include several senior recitals, plays, workshops, and more. All events are located in the Clare and Josef Meier Recital Hall and are free to community and students, unless noted.

February events include a collaborative musical at The Matthews Opera House and a special guest performance by the Balinese Gamelan performers. BHSU invited the Balinese Gamelan performers to host a workshop coinciding with a concert Saturday, Feb. 29. The Balinese Gamelan event will allow audience members to experience bright and colorful percussion instruments as well as authentic dance forms.

The semester will also include regularly scheduled performances by each BHSU music ensemble, BHSU Community Choir, Dakota Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Concert Band and Jazz Band. The student ensembles perform throughout the year providing students with professional opportunities to show off their skills.

On top of learning theory, history and the artistic processes, BHSU music students participate in the campus choir, band, and/or theater performances depending on their majors. “Performing in a large choir is something I’ll never tire of,” says Alexis Hauf, music education major from Madison.

Hauf has participated in the Northern Hills Chamber Chorale at BHSU as well as both the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. She adds, “It’s a great community of loving and understanding people who I’ve come to know as friends. To me, choir is a source of relief from the stress in my life.”

Hahn shares that before graduating, seniors are required to perform a capstone-like recital to show their progression throughout their time at BHSU.

Hauf will perform her senior recital along with Hayes Chohon, music education major from Ainsworth, Neb., and Carissa Deming, music education major from Newcastle, Wyo. Each will perform a selection of pieces around a unique theme and in several languages.

Hauf’s performance is March 28 at 7:30 p.m. She will sing in French, English, German, and a unique cat language.

Other events to keep on your schedule include a BH Bands Cabaret Dinner and Concert fundraising event at the end of April. Assistant professor of music Dr. David Berberick says, “We will have over 10 different groups lined up to perform over two nights offering a variety of musical acts.”

The funds raised will be put toward scholarships for students.

BHSU Chamber Singers will also be touring up north stopping in Bison, South Heart, N.D., Watford City, N.D. and Williston, N.D. at the end of the semester working with high school choirs and performing formal evening concerts.

BHSU faculty, staff, and students appreciate the community’s support of the music program at BHSU.


BHSU Music Department Events Schedule:

All events take place in the Meier Recital Hall on the BHSU campus in Spearfish and admission is free unless noted with a ($).

February

  • 21st-22nd: Musical: Bright Star, 7:30 p.m. (Matthews Opera House) ($)
  • 23rd: Musical: Bright Star, 2:30 p.m. (Matthews Opera House) ($)
  • 29th: Black Hills Balinese Gamelan Dance Workshop, 2 p.m.
  • 29th: Black Hills Balinese Gamelan Concert, 7:30 p.m.

March

  • 1st: BH Bands Concert, 2:30 p.m.
  • 5th: Black Hills Area Music Teachers Association Student Recital, 7:30 p.m.
  • 9th: MS/HS Band Clinic (All Day)
  • 19th-21st: Begets: Fall of a High School Ronin (play), 7:30 p.m., Woodburn Main Stage
  • 21st: Carissa Deming Senior Voice Recital, 2:30 p.m.
  • 22nd: Hayes Chohon: Senior Voice Recital, 2:30 p.m.
  • 23rd: Choir Day, BHSU Choral Festival Concert, 6:30 p.m.
  • 24th: Alexis Hauf: Senior Voice Recital, 7:30 p.m.

April

  • 5th: Dakota Chamber Orchestra, 2:30 p.m.
  • 14th: Northern Hills Chamber Chorale, 7:30 p.m.
  • 19th: BH Choirs Concert, 2:30 p.m.
  • 23rd: BH Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.
  • 24th-25th: BH Bands Cabaret Dinner/Concert, 6 p.m. ($)
  • 26th: BH Bands Concert, 2:30 p.m.
  • 29th-May 2nd: Chamber Singers Tour

May

  • 2nd: Black Hills Area Music Teachers Association Spring Festival (All Day)

Schedule is subject to change. For more information contact Dr. Hahn at 605-642-6888 or Christopher.Hahn@BHSU.edu


About the BHSU Music Department:

The BHSU Music Department strives to develop both student and community musicians and contributes to the region’s musical culture. The Music Department blends individual study for refinement and creative expression with group performance for a comprehensive and cooperative educational environment. The BHSU Music program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and is a great fit for those planning to work in music-related fields, become professional musicians, or pursue a teaching career or graduate program.

About the BHSU Theater Department:

Black Hills State University Theatre is a small program with big benefits, where the artistic process is an important as the final product. The program provides a student centered learning environment focusing on cultivating the collaborative skills, creativity and professionalism necessary to pursue a career in theatre. Students build a solid foundation from which they are prepared to attend graduate school or enter the job market.