BEMIDJI — As the days grow longer, more and more communities begin their season of outdoor concerts across Northern Minnesota.
The Bemidji Area Community Band's 2026 season begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, outside the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex at Bemidji State University.
The Bemidji Area Community Band hosts about five concerts per year and is made up of both students in high school and lifelong musicians. Though they may have different backgrounds and age groups, it’s a chance for area musicians to perform music through the summer.
The band consists of 40 to 50 musicians, playing a wide variety of music. They perform marches, popular new music and sometimes songs from movies and video games.
One of the conductors, Ryan Webber, described the band's experience as fun and the highlight of his week. He said the joy of the band members is noticeable.
“They're there because they want to be there for the love of music, and it's another way to give back musically to the community,” Webber said.
Another conductor, music teacher Katrina Stewart, tells her students music can be a lifelong activity and uses the Bemidji Area Community Band as an example.
There are no auditions to be a part of the band; simply reach out through the band’s website, Facebook page or attend one of the concerts and talk with one of the conductors to participate.
The first concert of the season is Sunday, June 14, and revolves around sports and games. Music includes the Hunger Games soundtrack, John Phillip Sousa’s “The National Game,” songs from the World of Warcraft video games, the musical Carousel, a trumpet piece called “Bugler’s Holiday” and a march called “Block M,” conducted by former Bemidji High School Band Director Terry Bradley.
Bemidji Area Community Band outdoor performances on the lawn of Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex are at 7 p.m. on:
- Sunday, June 14
- Sunday, June 28
- Sunday July 19
- Sunday, August 2
- Sunday, August 16
Listen to the full conversation with conductors Webber and Stewart by clicking above.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
