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Band festival to connect top high school, college musicians

By Peter Hill '08
November 10, 2006

St. Olaf Music Organizations will host its Festival of Bands Saturday, Nov. 11. Also known as "Band Day," the annual event pairs top high school instrumentalists with the St. Olaf Band and Norseman Band for a day-long workshop. The festival will culminate with a concert to be held in Skoglund Center Auditorium at 4 p.m.

A St. Olaf tradition for more than 30 years, the festival creates an "all-state band that includes 155 performers from across Minnesota," says Administrative Assistant to Music Organizations Kelli Johnson, who is helping organize the event. As part of the selection process, band conductors from 64 high schools nominate top students from their ensembles. Candidates are then reviewed and chosen by Timothy Mahr '78, conductor of the St. Olaf Band.

Student participants will rehearse and perform a concert under the direction of Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan, conductor of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. A former music educator, Holtan has worked with several Army bands as well as the Dallas Wind Symphony.

"We're so fortunate to have as our guest artist one of the finest military band conductors in the nation," says Mahr. "Lieutenant Colonel Holtan's presence will make this an exceptional concert."

The Festival of Bands is a unique opportunity for college and high-school band members to connect. According to Rich Erickson, assistant director of music organizations, the festival gives Oles -- particularly those studying music education -- a chance to work in close proximity with high school students under a different conductor.

HONORING VETERANS
Since the event falls on Veterans Day, the program features a unique selection of music that honors veterans and celebrates freedom. "The day's music making will focus on a patriotic theme" Mahr says. "We're proud to be able to share a program of meaningful and exciting music aimed at 'Celebrating Freedom.'"

The concert includes 14 pieces, including one of Mahr's own compositions. Kurt Claussen '82, an adjunct instructor of saxophone and music educator in the Twin Cities area, also will perform with the festival band.

Events also will be held for band conductors throughout the day, including a master class on saxophone pedagogy with Claussen and a guest lecture by Holtan.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.