BEMIDJI 鈥� Though campus looks a bit different for this year鈥檚 Bemidji MusiCamp, that hasn鈥檛 stopped over 200 budding musicians from taking part in a week鈥檚 worth of music classes, rehearsals and performances at Bemidji State University, which was transformed nearly one month ago.
Following the June 21 storm, several facilities and establishments in the Bemidji area shuttered while workers conducted recovery efforts and clean-up. BSU was no exception as it remained closed to the public through June 28 and reopened June 29 鈥� a mere two weeks before the first day of Bemidji MusiCamp.
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from BSU and Northwest Technical College President John Hoffman and his wife, Joy, provided a level of assurance for camp leadership as the pair answered storm-related questions regarding campus impact.
"Those updates were really helpful for us to keep an eye on things as we were getting closer (to camp beginning)," Camp Director Matthew Marsolek said. "We knew we had a couple weeks between when (the storm) occurred and when camp would start, and we knew BSU had to assess the damage and make sure that they were in good shape."
BSU officials noted that 90% of campus buildings sustained some level of damage from the storm and more than 100 windows would need to be replaced across campus. Home to much of Bemidji MusiCamp鈥檚 activity, all windows of the skyway connecting the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex and Deputy Hall were blown out.
"It's awesome to be back, but it's devastating to see the differences. We've been (on campus) for several days and every time I go outside, I'm still in shock at the way it looks," Associate Camp Director Ashley Sands said. "After the storms, we were very hopeful that nothing would be impacted. We watched Dr. Hoffman's stream and in that, he said all of our summer camps would continue as normal. That was really a relief for us."
Additional damage included the toppling of over 200 trees, damage to baseball and softball fields, damage to the press box at Chet Anderson Stadium and flooding at the John Glas Fieldhouse.
A popular location for camp activities, Diamond Point Park was deemed unusable this time around. Cameron Park would prove an acceptable alternative for campers.
"It's a bit more of a walk," Marsolek added, "but we're still making it happen and working around the stumps."
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'A spark for music'
Aside from the obvious changes, the camp's mission remains unchanged: to create meaningful connections and experiences through music.
"Our hope is that campers take away a little more of a spark for music," Marsolek said. "Oftentimes, our campers are coming from very small towns with bands of maybe 15 kids, all the way up to larger bands from the cities. ... Our hope is that kids get more in-depth experience, knowledge of music and connections to the musicians around them."
Sands shared similar sentiments, adding, "If a kid can come here and learn about music, but also make friends and bring their knowledge back to their home ensembles, that's really the goal."
With around 180 campers last year, this year's encampment increased to around 220. Increasing enrollment is a continual post-pandemic goal as nearly 400 campers attended in 2019.
Performances will kick off with small instrumental and vocal ensembles, jazz bands and solo piano at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18.
On Saturday, July 19, concert band for grades 9 and 10 will begin at 10 a.m. followed by orchestra at 10:30 a.m., middle school band at 11 a.m., concert choir at 11:30 a.m. and wind ensemble for grades 11 and 12 at noon.
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All concerts are free to attend and take place in Bangsberg.
In addition to these performances, BSU Professor Emeritus Tom Swanson will be inducted into the MusiCamp Hall of Fame. This induction will be a homecoming opportunity for Swanson as he directed at the camp for several years and even performed in the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra alongside Marsolek.
"It will be nice to catch up with him again," Marsolek mentioned. "We're excited to welcome him back."
Marsolek and Sands expressed profound gratitude for the work of maintenance crews and Residential Life staff that allowed for a nearly normal camp experience for students that will stick with them beyond this weekend's concerts.
"Even with all of the damage, we're just thankful to be here," Sands left off.
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