A Milestone for the USD Symphony Orchestra

The University of South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, directed by Luis Viquez, was nominated for the Latin Grammys.  Partnering with Eddie Mora, a classical composer from Costa Rica, USD was ranked among four other orchestras for the best classical album of the year.  Eddie Mora wrote the song, “El Ruido del Agua” specifically for the USD […]

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Josh Ellerbeck to Self-Publish Third Book

Even with all his classes, Josh Ellerbeck made time to pursue his lifelong passion, writing. Ellerbeck, a junior communication studies major, recently self-published his third book, “Street Lights,” the first novel in a two-part series. Since his childhood years, Ellerbeck has always enjoyed writing. He created his first series in elementary school and shared it […]

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USD Music Department Host Third Annual Music is Alive Festival

USD’s Music Department hosted its third annual Music is Alive festival and partnered with Vermillion High School, which provided a variety of musical performances from eight ensembles. The event kicked off with Vermillion High School’s Pride of Vermillion, then followed in the order of USD Jazz Band, USD Symphony Orchestra, Vermillion High School’s Rhythm in […]

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Department of Theatre Brings New Perspective on Greek Classic

In the first production of the year, the Department of Theatre showcased a new adaptation taken on a classic Greek myth. Eurydice, directed by Jeff Larsen, a master of fine arts directing student, twists the Greek myth Orpheus. Eurydice is told from the perspective of Eurydice, the daughter of Apollo. The play is a tragicomedy […]

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USD Choirs Return to Pre-Pandemic Numbers

Three groups burst with music each time they hit the stage, but in recent years fewer faces have graced the stage than choir director David Holdhusen is accustomed to. This year however, being the first full year not plagued by pandemic precautions, Holdhusen believes his three groups are finally reaching the number of participants he […]

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USD Professor and Piano Students Visit Festival in Italy

Three USD students accompanied associate professor of music Alessandra Feris to the InterHarmony International Music Festival in Acqui Terme, Italy this past summer. The students involved were second years Hannah Koruschak, working on a masters degree in piano performance, as well as Rebecca Kelley and Ian Kocher, majoring in piano performance. Not only do the […]

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Students Rally Over Reproductive Rights

Chants and signs were throughout the USD campus against the overturning of Roe versus Wade Thursday, Sept. 8. Students showed their views on abortion rights in a march which started at the Dome and made its way through campus to Alfs Auditorium. Lexi McKee-Hemenway, junior, a student and organizer for the rally, said she wanted […]

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Art Club Plans to Help Students De-Stress

One week into the school year and students are already trying to find ways to destress. One club has a plan to help students do just that. The Student Art Alliance (SAA) is striving to give students a creative outlet and let them think about something other than schoolwork. Taylor Titze, the vice president of […]

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