'History and heritage': Fall concert celebrates America's 250th
Stirring patriotic songs will fill Legacy Hall when music students perform their annual fall concert at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) in Fergus Falls. Presented by the college’s Fine Arts department, the performance will feature the M State Concert Band, Concert Choir and Voice Ensemble.
With a lineup celebrating America's 250th anniversary and honoring veterans just days after Veterans Day, the concert will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, in Legacy Hall.
A wide range of musical styles and eras will be showcased. Choral selections include works by Renaissance composer Jacob Arcadelt, Spanish composer and conductor Javier Busto, American composer and educator Seth Houston, and acclaimed Canadian composer Sarah Quartel.
The instrumental portion of the evening will feature music by E.E. Bagley, composer of the classic march “National Emblem”; Michael Brown; and Aaron Copland, often referred to as the “Dean of American Music” for works that capture the spirit, landscapes and history of the United States.
A special collaboration honoring America’s history and local veterans will include selections connected to Samuel Augustus Ward, whose melody later became “America the Beautiful,” and legendary composer John Williams, whose iconic film scores have become part of the country’s cultural soundtrack.
“This concert is a special opportunity to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary while also recognizing Veterans Day,” said Jeff Sands, M State music faculty member. “The M State Concert Band and choirs look forward to bringing our community together through an evening of music that reflects on our nation's history and heritage.”
The Concert Choir and Voice Ensemble are directed by Laura Quaintance, M State music faculty member, while the Concert Band is directed by Sands.
Ticket info
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door for adults, and $5 for youth ages 17 and younger. Admission is free for M State students, faculty and staff with a valid M State ID.
Tickets may be purchased online at https://mstate.universitytickets.com, at the Fergus Falls Campus Store, or at the door before the performance. The Campus Store is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and may be reached at 218.736.1556.