Surround the State in Song

I have really enjoyed my conducting lessons so far and have the opportunity to conduct a symphony orchestra thanks to my conducting professor! That’s the first big thing on the horizon for now!

University of Mary

Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church

Surround the State in Song (SSIS) has certainly faced unique challenges over the last couple of years. Since 2019 when I stepped into the state coordinator role for Surround the State in Song we have dealt with a mid-October blizzard forcing us to reschedule, a global pandemic forcing us to cancel and a second year of pandemic restrictions requiring us work around local and state guidelines for for the safety of our students, conductors, and teachers. As a state we have stepped up to the many challenges presented to us and found innovative ways to continue to provide enriching educational experiences for our students! It probably goes without saying but, I am beyond proud to work with such an amazing team of site coordinators and teachers who truly make this event a success year after year.

This year we had around 560 students registered to attend from 63 schools from across the state! The average number of students per site was 80. Our esteemed guest conductors this year were:

Bismarck - Dawn Hagerott (Bismarck State College)

Dickinson - Lacey Hanson (Center-Stanton Public School)

Fargo - Lauren Brandeburg (Fargo South HS & Carl Ben Eielson MS)

Grand Forks - Assorted Area Music Teachers

Jamestown - Rebcca Raber (University of Mary) Minot - Miranda Styborski (Eric Ramstad Middle School)

Williston - Vicky Boechler (St. Mary’s Central High School)

This year we were also able to share a commissioned piece, “She Does Not Let Go”, by Timothy Takach. This was commissioned to be shared in 2020, but we are grateful to have been able to perform this piece this year! The text comes from the Mexican Poet, Manuel Iris. Timothy Takach’s thoughts from 2020 about the work seem highly prudent for the world we live in currently, “The amazing thing about art is that we can take away different things from the same work ... I thought immediately about the leaf as a person, being lifted and supported by another caring individual. We need to realize more often how important it is to recognize each other, especially during times of struggle, and act with care, with empathy, and with support. Many of us don’t ask for help, even though we may need it desperately. Recognize the battle. Recognize the tiny tragedies. Recognize the persistence.” If you are interested in performing “She Does Not Let Go” this piece can be purchased at www.graphitepublishing.com.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of the teachers who participated in this year's event. Registrations went very smoothly, and this was by far the least stressful year for tracking down payment! Our site managers and guest conductors shared that they felt most students arrived pretty well prepared which is imperative for a successful day of music making!

Thank you all for a wonderful festival, we hope to see again next year!

Brady Gudgel Mandan Middle School

NDACDA Community and Youth Choirs R&R Chair SSIS State Chair