USD Music Department to Host Outdoor Music Festival
“In this unusual time, with so much uncertainty surrounding the performing arts, we want to let the community know that music is alive and well here in Vermillion,” said David Holdhusen, Ph.D., chair and director of choral activities in the music department. “This festival will showcase the amazing work being done by the talented musicians at USD and Vermillion High School.”
The event features nine ensembles between the university and Vermillion High School, including USD’s Chamber Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and The SOUND of USD and the VHS Pride of Vermillion Marching Band and Rhythm in Red choir.
The ensembles will perform in three different locations on the south side of the park. The community is encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and snacks and move freely between performance locations in the park to enjoy the variety of the ensembles.
Holdhusen said the Music is Alive Festival is the only live concert that will be open to the public this semester due to COVID-19 concerns. All upcoming concerts will be available to a small, invited audience only; however, the department recently launched a new livestream platform for the general public that can be found at usd.edu/livemusic.
The Music is Alive Festival is a socially distanced and masked concert event. The following is a schedule of events:
- 2 p.m. – VHS Pride of Vermillion
- 2:20 p.m. – USD Chamber Orchestra
- 2:40 p.m. – USD Symphonic Band
- 3 p.m. - VHS Rhythm in Red
- 3:20 p.m. – USD Percussion Ensemble
- 3:40 p.m. – USD Chamber Singers
- 4 p.m. – USD Symphony Orchestra
- 4:20 p.m. – USD Jazz Ensemble
- 4:40 p.m. – The SOUND of USD
