'Strings, Winds and Brass' is booming

by Stacy Bengs-Silverberg, Republican Eagle
Mar 22, 2015 at 11:47 a.m.

When teacher David Vincent first began to gather guitar program students to exhibit their talent in concert in 1984, he didn't quite anticipate the concept would catapult into the collaborative annual showcasing of musicianship it is today.

Dubbed "Strings, Winds and Brass," the Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical variety show each spring features students and faculty alike. This year's performance is set for 7 p.m. Saturday March 28 at the Sheldon Theatre. Expect everything from hurdy-gurdy to electric bassoon, from Wolfgang Mozart to Taylor Swift.

"It will make for a terrific show with lots of variety," said Jo Poncelet, Southeast Technical dean of academics.

Vincent, a master Guitar Repair and Building program teacher, says back then they hoped to sell enough tickets to pay for the rented concert space.

About 15 years ago, the guitar students opened the show up to all music departments - basically the entire school.

Enough people wanted to play that judging became part of the process, Vincent explained. He said over the years they've had "any kind of act you can about imagine" from drum bands to tuba quartets.

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