VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University hosts the 2025 North Dakota Intercollegiate Band on February 22, bringing together 87 college students from across the state.
Eight different North Dakota institutions are represented in the band, which is directed by Dr. Mary K. Schneider, Professor of Conducting and Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan University.
The two-day event begins Friday, Feb. 21, and concludes with a free public concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. The concert is held at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall.
“We are excited and honored to host the 2025 North Dakota Intercollegiate Band event for the first time since the opening of the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts,” said VCSU assistant professor of music Mr. Jerrold Heide. “This event brings our North Dakota institutions together through music in VCSU’s incredible performance spaces, and we look forward to celebrating the talent and passion of our collegiate musicians from across the state.”
Concerts selections are “Fanfare Politeia” by Kimberly Archer, “Danzon No.2” by Arturo Marquez, “This Night” by David Biedenbender, and “Bullets and Bayonets” by John Philip Sous.
The guest ensemble Lake Agassiz Wind Symphony will also perform during the concert. The symphony is directed by Dr. Warren Olfert, retired director of bands from NDSU.
Valley City State University has 18 students participating in the ND Intercollegiate Band, which is in its 23rd year of performances. Other students attending are from Bismarck State College, Dickinson State University, Minot State University, North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, University of Jamestown and University of Mary.