The 34th Annual Björling Music Festival
Gustavus Adolphus College Department of Music welcomes all high school students and directors to our 34th Björling Music Festival. Each day is dedicated to a different ensemble: band, jazz, orchestra, choir, and wind ensemble. There will be many opportunities to work with renowned guest artists, to perform in great venues, and to interact with students and faculty from Gustavus. The COVID-19 vaccine is required for participation in the festival.
Honor Band
November 1, 2021
Centered on creativity in performance and education, the 33rd Gustavus Honor Band Festival brings together more than 250 students from 60+ upper Midwest high schools forming two all-state caliber symphonic bands. Join Dr. James Patrick Miller, Dr. Heidi Johanna Miller, and Dr. Karrin Meffert-Nelson for a full day of rehearsal labs, masterclasses, clinics with faculty, a special concert featuring the Gustavus music ensembles, and a finale concert in Christ Chapel.
Concerto Competition
November 5, 2021
All students grades 9-12 are eligible to audition for the Concerto/Aria Competition for High School Musicians. Five finalists receive a lesson with a Gustavus faculty professor and a Björling Music Scholarship should they choose to attend Gustavus. The winner will perform with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Ruth Lin on March 11, 2022 in Björling Recital Hall.
Jazz Jamboree
March 4, 2022
This immersive educational jazz festival offers high school jazz ensembles from throughout the Midwest the opportunity to perform in Björling Recital Hall, garner constructive feedback from Gustavus faculty and stellar guest clinicians, attend instructional masterclasses with jazz professionals, and hear the award-winning Gustavus Jazz Ensemble live in concert.
Honors Orchestra
March 11, 2022
Dr. Ruth Lin leads the 4th annual Gustavus Honors Orchestra, joined by guest artists Dr. Natalia Moiseeva, Jill Olson, Dr. Justin Knoepfel, Sharon Mautner-Rodgers, and Rolf Erdahl. Students will participate in masterclasses and clinics with string faculty from Gustavus, culminating in a festival concert not to be missed. This ensemble is open to string players only.
Honor Choir
March 14, 2022
The Gustavus Honor Choir Festival will bring together outstanding singers and fine choral repertoire in an exciting one-day experience. Students will refine their musical skills through engaging choir rehearsals, faculty-led masterclasses, and a special opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized guest artist. The festival concert will feature performances by the Gustavus Choir, the St. Michael–Albertville Concert Choir, selected vocal soloists, and the 125–voice Festival Choir.
Windvitational
April 22, 2022
The Windvitational brings three of the regions finest high school wind bands to campus for a relaxed day of workshops, collaboration, and artistry. The Windvitational is designed to be about process and pedagogy as well as performance. Ensembles have the opportunity to work with Gustavus faculty and ensembles. Directors are also given the opportunity to mentor Gustavus music education students during the day.