Education and the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra

The Bemidji Symphony has a strong commitment to education. Thanks to generous grants from the Region 2 Arts Council, the First National Bank Foundation, and the Target Foundation, the Orchestra has the opportunity to reach young people in and beyond the concert hall by sending Music Director Beverly Everett, members of the Orchestra, and guest musicians into the community and schools for special programs. 

School Visits: Each season the BSO sends its talented guest artists into the our schools. During the 2008/2009 season, guest artists such as Libby Larsen visited students at Bemidji State University, and Dr. Everett, along with violinist Andrew Martin, personally visited Lincoln Elementary and Red Lake Elementary in preparation for the biennial children's concerts for area 4th and 5th graders. In 2009, for the first time, students from Red Lake elementary attended our children's concert. Fifth grade students from Red Lake created essays on the meaning of "Freedom" and these were displayed in the lobby at the April 2009 subscription concert. The traditions continue this season as our visiting artists work with the rich emerging talent of our community. 

Dance Project: During the 2006/2007 season, in conjunction with our November subscription concert, the Bemidji Symphony hosted a dance project for youth of the Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club, performing original choreography to Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring. This project was supported by the Aaron Copland Foundation. Up to 100 students, ages 12-18, were selected to participate, and over thirty students were involved in the final performance. The purpose of this project was to involve students who have not yet been exposed to ballet or formal dance training. The selection process was not evaluated in a competitive artistic manner, but rather the students were chosen based on their interest level and their enthusiasm for the project. Suzy and Jon Langhaut served as our choreographers for this special project. The model for this project is the Zukunft Dance Projects done each year by the Berlin Philharmonic. Dr. Everett has observed and studied the 2004 and 2005 projects in Berlin. 

"Orchestral Studies" at Bemidji State University in partnership with the BSO and Headwaters School: The strong relationship between the BSO, Bemidji State University, and the Headwaters School of Music and the Arts, provides a unique set of opportunities for students interested in a career in orchestra.  Whether one's aspirations are to play in or conduct a professional orchestra, teach at the college or high school level, or work in orchestra management, development, or administration, his/her expectations can be met through the opportunities in Bemidji! 

Private Study in the Applied Areas at BSU: BSU offers the highest levels of instruction in applied studies of the following orchestral instruments.  The professors work closely with Dr. Everett in consultation about student performance in orchestra, auditions, additional performing opportunities, and scholarship awards. The advanced level of artistic expectations fully prepares students for orchestra and graduate school auditions, concerto competitions, and other individual performance endeavors. Contact the BSU Music Department office for more information at 218-755-2915, or visit the BSU Music Department faculty web page: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/music/faculty/

Instruction is offered for credit in the following areas:

• Trumpet and French Horn: Dr. Del Lyren
• Trombone and Tuba: Sarah Paradis
• Clarinet: Dr. Erika Svanoe
• Saxophone: Dr. Michael Hansen
• Flute: Sue Nelson
• Percussion: Eric Sundeen
• Piano: Dr. Steve Carlson
• Oboe: Julie Loxtercamp
• Cello and Double Bass: Dr. Patrick Riley
• Violin and Viola: Dr. Michelle Laliberte

Conducting Study: BSU offers courses at all levels of conducting in both the instrumental and choral areas. These courses are part of the performance and music education curriculum.  In addition, students may request private study in orchestral conducting with Dr. Beverly Everett.  This study is not for course credit, and acceptance is up to the discretion of Dr. Everett.

Performance opportunities in the BSO: The BSO is an auditioned ensemble, with annual auditions taking place in the early fall.  Audition information is available by emailing gretchrusch@yahoo.com. The Bemidji Symphony performs six subscription concerts each year. The rehearsal schedule consists of five rehearsals per set, so the process is intense and requires advanced individual preparation outside of rehearsals. Students have the opportunity to develop the focus and discipline it takes to be an orchestral musician.  Additionally, they have the opportunity to perform with world-class guest artists.

The Future: Already alumni of BSU/BSO have gone on to make great contributions in their field, even within one year of their graduation. Two examples are Graham Steeds and Katie Vandermeer. Katie, who grew up in Bemidji, and just graduated in 2006, is now the Assistant Artistic Director of the New Jersey Youth Symphony. Prior to this, Katie held internships at the Aspen Music Festival and with the Yamaha Corporation in California.  Graham Steeds, 2006 recipient of the BSO's Conductor's Award for Outstanding Student Musician, recently completed a Masters Degree in Trumpet Performance at Florida State University, and was invited back to BSU as a sabbatical replacement in the trumpet studio for the 2008/2009 year.