a publication for alumni, family, and friends

Laura Anne Durfee
Student Contributor

"Da da da da!" was the sound heard floating from the basement windows of Hughes Science Hall this year. The booming tuba and boastful strains of trumpets announced the beginning of every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to students making their way to early morning classes. The newest addition to the music department is the Wesleyan Brass, conducted by Paul Almjeld, bringing back an important part of the music department that has been silent since the 1982-83 school year.

Seeing the need to provide appropriate musical experiences to all members of the campus community, Almjeld (who plays the trombone in the ensemble) enlisted the help of fellow faculty members Sean Flynn (trumpet) and Michael Catalano (bass tuba). He also recruited Kevin Kenkel (trumpet), director of learning resources in Layne Library, as well as students Dawn Schroeder (trumpet), John Cawley (baritone and French horn), and Jennifer Leichtnam (trumpet).

"This was the next logical step that we needed to take in building the music department for the university," said Almjeld. "We cannot grow as a department or a university if we do not provide opportunities in instrumental music. We had a strong group of faculty to build the group around, and it grew from there."

Almjeld feels that it's important to offer musical opportunities to individuals who may not be singers. To help this along, Wesleyan Bells, the campus bell choir, was formed two years ago. That ensemble is under the direction of Almjeld's wife, Susan, who is a music instructor at the university.

"The brass is just an extension of the philosophy of the bell choir," he said. The brass is also an important aspect of recruitment and retention of students, as well as the public's perception of the university. It serves to provide an added musical element to campus events and activities.

Almjeld says that the group has many miles to go, but that it is making steady, measurable progress. So far, the ensemble has performed the national anthem at various athletic events throughout the year. The group was also invited to perform with the Dakota Wesleyan Choir, Highlanders and Wesleyan Bells at their spring concert in April, and at the inauguration ceremonies, baccalaureate and commencement.

Along with wide acceptance by the campus community, the group faces challenges. There is a constant need for practice space, as the music rehearsal room is used for music classes and all choral ensemble practices. There is also limited storage space for instruments, but that problem should be alleviated with the addition of the Sherman Center, which will provide practice and performance space.

Even though space is tight, there is room for expansion. Almjeld is hoping to add a woodwind ensemble (saxophone, clarinet, flute, oboe and bassoon) to the academic schedule, with the vision of combining the two groups for a full-fledged band.

As the DWU campus begins to grow and change, some things remain the same. The music department will stay strong and continue to expand. Students will continue to benefit from the musical experience, while providing colorful melodies for the campus and the community to enjoy.