Outside Opportunities
ACDA: (American Choral Director's Association) A national organization with a strong Minnesota State Chapter. Annual fee includes all issues of The Choral Journal as well as The Star of the North (MN State Newsletter). State, Regional, and National Conventions with special sessions for student conductors. Special MN student conductor's symposium.
Amadeus Chamber Symphony: A Central Minnesota chamber orchestra under the direction of Axel Theimer. Outstanding local students are being invited, based on recommendations by their teachers to participate in performances throughout the year. The Amadeus Chamber Symphony participates in many annual CSB/SJU choral functions such as Christmas at Saint John's and the Masterworks Program.
Duluth Symphony Young Composers Competition: Interested applicants must create an original 4-7 minute classical work for traditional instrumentation. Winning composers piece is performed by the Duluth Superior Symphony at the Young Peoples Concerts.
Heartland Symphony Orchestra: Instrumentalists should talk with their private instructors regarding playing opportunities with this orchestra. This ensemble rehearses and performs in and around Brainerd, MN.
MMTA: (Minnesota Music Teacher's Association) This organization sponsors many activities for performers in all areas. Check with your studio instructor for opportunities.
NAfME: (National Association for Music Education) The CSB/SJU campuses maintains a student chapter. Membership includes a full year subscription to the NAfME Music Journal, Gopher Notes, and free admission to the MMEA conference in February.
NATS: (National Association of Teachers of Singing) The Minnesota Chapter hosts a yearly competition for singers of all levels which takes place in early November. Check with your voice teacher for more information regarding the various activities sponsored by NATS.
Schubert Club: This organization sponsors a yearly competition in the Spring for instrumental and vocal students of all levels. They also provide student membership, with opportunities for participation in informal concerts and tickets to an artists series. Check with your studio teacher for more information.
St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra: Dr. Dale White can answer any questions instrumentalists have regarding performance opportunities within this local organization.
St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra Young Performers Competition: Interested instrumentalists prepare a movement from a concerto for this Spring competition. Awards include scholarships and performance opportunities in an Honors Recital and with the St. Cloud Symphony.
St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra Young Composers Competition: Interested composers who are studying composition with a private instructor prepare a five-eight minute work for this Spring competition. Awards include scholarships and an opportunity to have the work performed by the St. Cloud Symphony.
Thursday Musical Scholarship Competition: This organization provides recital opportunities, master classes, free concert tickets, and a scholarship competition. For information call (612) 333-0313.
WAMSO Young Artist Competition: (Minnesota Orchestra volunteer association) This annual competition offers scholarship awards (monetary and Summer Study awards) as well as performance opportunities with the Schubert Club of St. Paul, Saint Paul Civic Symphony, and the Minnesota Orchestra. Interested instrumentalists should consult with their private instructors.
Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra: Instrumentalists should talk with their private instructors regarding playing opportunities with this orchestra. This ensemble rehearses and performs in Willmar, MN.
Student Handbook:
Accompanying
Student Handbook
College of Saint Benedict
Saint John’s University
Dr. Amy Grinsteiner
Chair, Music Department
CSB BAC A119
320-363-5717
SJU Music 106
320-363-3375
Kelly Brueske
Coordinator, Music Department
CSB BAC A116
320-363-5796
SJU Music 110
320-363-3371