SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS 2025-26 Season Community CONNECTIONS
2 | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 2025˜26 Season Highlights PAGE 8 South Dakota Jazz Festival PAGE 8 PAGE 7 Experiencing New Band Discoveries PAGE 8 AUCS Video Game Pops Concert PAGE 5 Byron Banasiak and John Banasiak Exhibition PAGE 7 Mark Stemwedel and Michael Aasness Exhibition PAGES 5, 7
As we enter the 2025-26 academic year, I want to thank you so much for your support of our program. Northern State University’s School of Fine Arts enjoys a much-deserved reputation as the premier arts destination in our region. This is reflected in the community’s deep sense of pride in our accomplishments, as well as a tradition of achievement from our faculty and students. Additionally, we embrace the arts as a source of resilience, expression, and revitalization. Over the past several years of the Friends of the Arts/NSU donor program, we have directed increasing amounts of support towards Fine Arts student success initiatives. We have also cultivated exciting new performance experiences and opportunities for our students, some of which will entail partnerships with local and regional community organizations. As previewed on the cover of this booklet, one of the most anticipated initiatives of this kind is NSU Opera-Theatre’s upcoming collaboration with Aberdeen Community Theatre. We are proud to present Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s beloved The Sound of Music, October 15-19 in NSU’s Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater! This timeless American classic will captivate audiences of all ages, and showcase the amazing talents of our students, faculty, and community members. I am proud of NSU’s commitment to providing a superior education in the visual and performing arts, where students develop their talents, refine their passions, and ultimately become leaders in their chosen fields. Now more than ever, we have created an academic environment that encourages students to explore a multitude of artistic opportunities, wherever their talents lead them. Truly, our students do it all! As you peruse this booklet, I hope you enjoy the chance to review the past year in photos, preview the exciting 2025-26 season, and consider contributing to the School of Fine Arts’ growing base of support. As always, I look forward to sharing and celebrating our bright future with you. Warm regards, Dr. Kenneth O. Boulton Dean, School of Fine Arts NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | 3 Dr. Kenneth O. Boulton Dean, School of Fine Arts FROM THE Dean
INSPIRING Support NSU Chamber singers perform at the annual NSU Winter Choral Concert. 4 | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY Your support inspires us to be better and achieve more – and we’re looking forward to building on our incredible history!
Ashlee Kaup, Axton Johnson, and Ava Pickard (l to r) perform with the NSU Symphonic Band. Jessica Peterson refines her conducting technique during the MME annual summer residency. July 14-Sept. 14 nice; 03 Exhibition Sponsored by Midwest Nice Art, an art collective intended to promote equitable, inclusive, and respectful communities in the arts. Johnson Fine Arts Center Art Gallery September 8-26 3rd Annual Welcome Back Student Art Show Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery X 11 NSU Faculty Showcase Recital 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater October 1-Dec. 15 Eli Kessler Exhibition Johnson Fine Arts Center Art Gallery (in conjunction with the SDAEA/CAA Conference) 8-31 Byron Banasiak and John Banasiak Exhibition Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery X (in conjunction with the SDAEA/CAA Conference) 15-18 NSU Opera-Theatre/Aberdeen Community Theatre/Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony present: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater 2025˜26 SEASON Highlights NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | 5 Friends of the Arts/NSU Season Event. Turn to pages 12-15 to learn more.
6 | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY The Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony performs with the riveting and charismatic Native American band, Brulé.
October 19 NSU Opera-Theatre/Aberdeen Community Theatre/Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony present: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. 3:00 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater 23 NSU Fall Jazz Concert 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater November 16 NSU Symphonic Band/NSU Concert Band present: Discoveries 3:00 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater 22 Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony presents: Winter Romance, featuring pianist Anne Marie Giffin 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater December 4 NSU Winter Choral Concert 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Aberdeen January 12-March 6 Mark Stemwedel and Michael Aasness Exhibition Johnson Fine Arts Center Art Gallery NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | 7 Professor Epiphany Knedler instructs a team of graphic design students. Friends of the Arts/NSU Season Event. Turn to pages 12-15 to learn more. Rico Imus shows Provost Mike Wanous one of his stunning 3D paper sculptures at the 2025 NSU Undergraduate Research Forum.
February 12 NSU Symphonic Band presents: Colors 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater 20-21 NSU Opera-Theatre presents: Anthony King and Scott Brown’s Gutenberg! The Musical! 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater 28 Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony presents: Video Games Pops Concert 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater March 1-27 NSU Juried Student Art Exhibition 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery X 5 56th Annual South Dakota Jazz Festival Concert (in conjunction with the Aberdeen Community Concert Association) 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater 25 NSU Bach’s Lunch Concert 12:00 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen 8 | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY Tia Swiontek prepares for her senior art show. Daria Poor’s The Bear looms large at the 2025 NSU Juried Art Show. Rainee Snyder places the finishing touches on her 3D cardboard sculpture. Friends of the Arts/NSU Season Event. Turn to pages 12-15 to learn more.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | 9 NSU Theatre presents a moving production of Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell and Jeff Bowen’s Now. Here. This.
March 28-May 9 NSU Senior Student BFA Art Exhibitions Johnson Fine Arts Center Art Gallery and Gallery X April 17-18 NSU Opera-Theatre presents: Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley and Mark Bucci’s Sweet Betsy from Pike 7:30 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater 19 NSU Symphonic Band/NSU Concert Band present: Band Extravaganza 3:00 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater 25 Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony presents: Cathedrals of Sound, featuring organist Marilyn Schempp 7:30 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen May 1 NSU Jazz Swing Dance 6 p.m., Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural, 2nd-Floor Library Auditorium. 3 NSU Spring Choral Concert 3:00 p.m., Johnson Fine Arts Center Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater 10 | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY The NSU Marching Wolves show their spirit during the 2024 Gypsy Days halftime show. Friends of the Arts/NSU Season Event. Turn to pages 12-15 to learn more.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | 11 Ember Geist, Lexie Johnson and Emily Palmer (l to r) portray the Miner siblings in NSU Opera’s world premiere production of Michael Ching’s Hazel Miner: Opera in One Act.
12 | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY The Northern State University School of Fine Arts is committed to developing both the personal and creative expression of every student, as well as providing the highest quality professional instruction in the arts. You have an exciting opportunity to support the outstanding work of our faculty and students by joining the Friends of the Arts/NSU. By becoming a member, you affirm the value of the arts as a vital and integral part of our lives, and further strengthen NSU’s presence as an arts leader. BE A Friend OF THE ARTS/NSU Your support ensures that our students will more fully realize their potential for future careers in the arts by enhancing the quality of arts education offered at NSU. Additionally, your donation supports the broad array of fine arts performances and events that benefit our community and region. Your membership entitles you to a number of attractive benefits and privileges, including complimentary tickets to a host of season events, invitation-only receptions for selected concerts and special events, recognition in printed programs, and more. Become a member today by visiting northern.edu/artsnsu, or by filling out the membership form on the enclosed addressed envelope and returning it with a check payable to “Northern State University Foundation.” You may also scan this QR code to sign up online. If you have further questions, please call 605-626-2550.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | 13 NSU Concerto-Aria instrumental winner Angel Olivo Porcayo performs Bruce Broughton’s Concerto for Tuba with the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony. NSU Concerto-Aria vocal winnner Emily Palmer performs Antonio Vivaldi’s “Sposa son disprezzata” with the Aberdeen University Civic Symphony.
14 | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY MEMBERSHIP Benefits Sponsor Membership Benefits • Plus! 1. The option to designate a portion of your gift ($1,500 minimum) to establishing a new named scholarship and determining the criteria for the award OR 2. The option to designate a portion of your gift ($1,500 minimum) to sponsoring one of the School of Fine Arts 2025-26 season events • Plus! Exclusive invitation to a Friends of the Arts/NSU holiday gathering at the President’s residence • Plus! Exclusive invitation to a special pre-performance social for the NSU School of Fine Arts and Aberdeen Community Theatre production of The Sound of Music • Plus! Invitation to a special holiday hors d’oeuvres vocal-theatre presentation by Darci Bultema and Michael Skyles • Plus! Invitation to a special pre-performance social for the NSU Opera-Theatre spring productions of Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley and Mark Bucci’s Sweet Betsy from Pike • Plus! Complimentary tickets to all ten School of Fine Arts 2025-26 season events, including The Sound of Music, October 15-19, 2025 • Special Friends of the Arts/NSU Season Kick-Off in the Johnson Fine Arts Center • Special Friends of the Arts/NSU invitation to the 2026 NSU Juried Student Art Show and Award Ceremony • Hors d’oeuvres socials for selected School of Fine Arts 2025-26 events • Recognition in performance programs and on the NSU School of Fine Arts website $2,500 (individual) $5,000 (couple)
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | 15 northern.edu/artsnsu Membership Benefits • Plus! Exclusive invitation to a Friends of the Arts/NSU holiday gathering at the President’s residence • Plus! Exclusive invitation to a special pre-performance social for the NSU School of Fine Arts and Aberdeen Community Theatre production of The Sound of Music • Plus! Invitation to a special holiday hors d’oeuvres vocal-theatre presentation by Darci Bultema and Michael Skyles • Plus! Invitation to a special pre-performance social for the NSU Opera-Theatre spring productions of Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley and Mark Bucci’s Sweet Betsy from Pike • Plus! Complimentary tickets to all ten School of Fine Arts 2025-26 season events, including The Sound of Music, October 15-19, 2025 Benefactor Patron Membership Benefits • Plus! Invitation to a special holiday hors d’oeuvres vocal-theatre presentation by Darci Bultema and Michael Skyles • Plus! Invitation to a special pre-performance social for the NSU Opera-Theatre spring productions of Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley and Mark Bucci’s Sweet Betsy from Pike • Plus! Complimentary tickets to your choice of seven School of Fine Arts 2025-26 season events Membership Benefits • Plus! Invitation to a special holiday hors d’oeuvres vocal-theatre presentation by Darci Bultema and Michael Skyles • Plus! Invitation to a special pre-performance social for the NSU Opera-Theatre spring productions of Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley and Mark Bucci’s Sweet Betsy from Pike • Plus! Complimentary tickets to your choice of five School of Fine Arts 2025-26 season events Friend $150 (individual) $300 (couple) $500 (individual) $1,000 (couple) $250 (individual) $500 (couple) Donor • Membership benefits $50 (individual) $100 (couple)
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Aberdeen, South Dakota Permit No. 77 Northern State University School of Fine Arts 1200 S. Jay St. Aberdeen, SD 57401 northern.edu/artsnsu
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