The South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts will host the 87th annual South Dakota In-Service Music Conference Feb. 9-11. The conference brings music educators and their students from across the state to Brookings for concerts, workshops and professional renewal.
The keynote speaker for the conference is Tim Lautzenheiser. Affectionately known as “Dr. Tim,” Lautzenheiser serves as Vice President of Education for the Conn-Selmer Corporation. After serving several years as a college band director, he created Attitude Concepts, Inc., which is dedicated to student leadership development.
Choral sessions are scheduled all day on Thursday, Feb. 9. Choral ensembles performing include the Harrisburg Middle School Chorus, Howard Junior High Choir, Dell Rapids Middle School Choir, Watertown High School Choir and Brandon Valley High School Choir. Ken Berg, an Alabama-based, nationally recognized director of youth choirs, will conduct the Elementary Festival Honor Choir. Lynda Hasseler, director of the Chapel Choir of Capital University, will conduct The Festival of Song Choir.
Performances from several instrumental ensembles will take place during the conference on Friday and Saturday. Ensembles performing include the Brandon Valley High School Wind Ensemble, Canton High School Symphonic Band, Aberdeen Central High School Jazz Combo, University of South Dakota Jazz Ensemble, Black Hills State University Wind Ensemble and the South Dakota State University Wind Symphony.
Select performances are free and open to the public, including Thursday’s 4:45 p.m. performance of the Elementary Festival Honor Choir and the Thursday, 7:30 p.m. performance of the SDSU Concert Choir and Festival of Song.
The SDSU Wind Symphony will perform a free concert on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. All activities will take place in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.
For more information, visit the In-Service Music Conference website.