Bemidji Pioneer: PATT RALL COLUMN: Thanks abound at BSU concerts

There was nothing but pride on the faces of those parents, students and seniors at the two recent concerts given by the Bemidji State University music faculty at the Carl O. Thompson concert, which supports the musical scholarships given to a music and voice student each fall. Scott Guidry’s jazz ensemble, Blue Ice, grew to heights of professional playing. Dwight Jilek’s (Bemidji Choir Chamber Singers) two pieces in Honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with shadow voices whispering from the rear and quotes from tweets — expressions of hope from those who battle depression and choose to live, as singers came forth to plead “Please Stay.” This was the second time we had heard the selection and cried once again at the poetry and emotion displayed by the singers and director.