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'Familiar melodies and spirited arrangements': Winter concert coming up Dec. 7

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Discover your perfect soundtrack for the holidays at M State’s 2025 winter concert, “The Promise of Living,” an afternoon of classic carols and festive contemporary works happening this Sunday, Dec. 7. The concert will feature collaborative instrumental and vocal performances by the college’s Concert Band, Concert Choir and Voice Ensemble, starting at 2 p.m. at Legacy Hall on the Fergus Falls campus.

Audiences will hear beloved holiday tunes alongside inspiring pieces by renowned composers such as John Philip Sousa, Franz Biebl, Susan LaBarr, John Rutter, Aaron Copland, Morten Lauridsen, William Bolcom and Minnesota’s own Jake Runestad. 

“The M State Fine Arts department loves to ring in the season with a vibrant holiday concert each year,” says M State Music Faculty Laura Quaintance, director of the college’s choirs. “This year’s program will highlight three special collaborative pieces that bring the band and both choirs together. With familiar melodies and spirited arrangements, the concert sets the perfect tone for the holidays. Join us for an afternoon of great music.”

The Concert Band is now under the direction of M State Music Faculty Jeff Sands, who stepped into the role after the recent retirement of longtime band director Jim Iverson. 

“It’s an honor to lead the Concert Band following Jim’s retirement,” says Sands. “We’ve had a great time collaborating with the choirs and are looking forward to delivering a wonderful performance.”

Concert-goers will also have the opportunity to support the music department through a fundraiser: band and choir members will be selling raffle tickets before and after the performance, with purchasers eligible to win a cash prize in a December 15 drawing.

Ticket info

  • $12 in advance or $15 at the door for adults, $5 for youth under 18 and free for M State students and staff
  • May be purchased online at mstate.universitytickets.com, at the Fergus Falls Campus Store (open 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Thursday), by calling the store at 218.736.1556, or at the door
  • Seating is limited; advance purchase encouraged