Bemidji Symphonic Band to perform free concert April 22

Dennis Doeden, The Bemidji Pioneer, Minn.
·2 min read

Apr. 18—BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Symphonic Band, made up of community members and Bemidji State University students, will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 22, on the main stage at BSU's Bangsberg Performing Arts Complex.

The concert will feature a variety of pieces that are related to video games, said conductor Ryan Webber, adjunct professor of music at BSU.

"I try to include diverse selections ranging from classics to contemporary works," Webber said. "I want to perform what the musicians want to play and what the audiences want to hear."

He had hoped to schedule the concert on the same day (April 20) as the Gigazone Gaming Championship and Tech Expo, but decided to keep the theme even though the performance will be two days later.

"I picked music from video games and music with connections to video games that people might not expect," Webber said. Selections include "She Dares, She Leaps" by Erika Svanoe, "The Klaxon" by Henry Fillmore, "Halcyon Hearts" by Katahj Copley, and "Dragonborn" by Jeremy Soule.

The concert will conclude with a selection of songs from "Indiana Jones" by John Williams. That piece was requested by graduating BSU seniors.

"I try to let graduating seniors request a piece as a way to make memories for the students," Webber said.

The 37-member band is made up of about one-fourth students and three-fourths community members, some of whom also play in the Bemidji Area Community Band during the summer months.

"Every semester looks a little different," Webber said. "On the student side it ranges from music performance majors to non-majors who still want to play for fun. On the community member side we have retirees, doctors, nurses. All sorts of professions are represented. Like the summer band, people are here because they want to play. I hope you can hear that passion in the performance."