Music is Still Alive
USD’s music department hosted the second annual Music is Alive Festival Sunday, Oct. 17. The festival tradition began in 2020 as a way for students to perform together, as COVID-19 made it difficult to host these events indoors.
The free, outdoor event took place at Prentis Park off of North Plum St. in Vermillion.
Assistant music professor John LaCognata said the festival was a success.
“I think the festival has something for everyone’s taste. The turn-out was awesome. Music and the arts play an important role in our community, and we are thrilled to be a part of that,” LaCognata said.
Nine ensembles from USD performed, as well as the Vermillion High School’s (VHS) Pride of Vermillion Marching Band.
The ensembles included the USD Chamber Orchestra, USD Symphonic Band, USD Percussion Ensemble, USD Chamber Singers, USD Symphony Orchestra, USD Jazz Ensemble and The Sound of USD. Vermillion High School’s Rhythm in Red also performed.
The VHS Pride of Vermillion began the festival at 2 p.m., and The Sound of USD closed at 4:40 p.m.
“I think there are a couple of really nice things about this festival. The first is the collaboration between the USD Music Department and the Vermillion High School music program. It is great to have ensembles from both of these schools performing at the festival together,” LaCognata said.
The audience was encouraged to come and go as they pleased. Attendees brought chairs and blankets to watch the ensembles perform in the grass.
Dental hygiene major Ellie Williams plays the french horn for the USD Symphonic Orchestra. She said playing at the festival was a rewarding feeling.
“Being able to play for community members is rewarding. It is great that the music department hosts these events so the community of Vermillion, as well as the college community can join together,” Williams said.
The USD Music Department has much more planned for the future. One upcoming event is the USD Symphonic Orchestra concert Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
“The bands will have their final concert of the semester on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7:30pm in Aalfs Auditorium. The concert will feature the USD Symphonic Band and Concert Band and is free of charge. We would love to have everyone join us for that exciting evening of music,” LaCognata said.
