UMD Puts on Annual Fall Concert

DULUTH, Minn. — The UMD Symphonic Wind Ensemble and UMD Concert Band teamed up to perform their 68th annual fall concert at Weber Music Hall.

The event serves as an opportunity for high school students, college students, adult groups, and professionals to come together to combine their talents to create this unique concert. Each year, the Director of Bands brings in special guests to inspire young musicians and meet the audience face-to-face.

“Music is an essence in life, and we need musicians to make music, and when you teach kids to play and to become better, it’s about recognizing the person behind the instrument and really trying to encourage mastering at every step of their way,” said Oystein Baadsvik, tuba soloist.

The event truly allows young musicians to experience playing in a larger ensemble and meet artists who play the same instruments as them.

“It has been very important as a recruitment aspect for the students coming here,” said Mark Whitlock, director of bands at UMD. “I tell them, how many are going to college next year? A lot of them raise their hands, and I said, when you have a gift of music that are inside of you that you need to share with other college students?”

The concert is meant to inspire those who are about to start applying to college and have an interest in continuing their music career.