Bemidji State University presents Christmas in the Pines concerts this weekend

Bemidji State University’s long running holiday tradition is taking center stage this weekend as the Bemidji Choir and the BSU Chamber Singers perform Christmas in the Pines at the Beaux Arts Ballroom. Shows are scheduled for Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., and the program features collaborative pieces and a variety of musical selections designed to appeal to a broad audience.

The concerts highlight an intentional mix of campus and community talent. BSU music faculty and local church music directors join students on organ, cello and trumpet parts. A faculty baritone soloist appears on the program, and senior students take on leadership roles including conducting. Several performances also serve as capstone projects or final exams for senior music students, giving the event both educational weight and immediate relevance to students preparing to enter professional or community music roles.

Community participation extends beyond the university. Bemidji High School music staff contribute to the collaborative spirit, reinforcing local connections between schools, churches and higher education. For audiences this weekend, the concerts offer more than music. They provide a chance for social connection in a winter season when opportunities for shared experiences are limited, and they give local families an accessible cultural event during the holidays.

Ticket pricing is intentionally modest, supporting access for a range of residents. Adult tickets are $11, senior and veteran tickets are $9, and college students are admitted free with ID. Tickets are available at the box office and online at bsubeavers.com. Those considering attendance should plan for indoor evening events and take usual precautions if they are feeling unwell.

Beyond the immediate season of music, the concerts have broader implications for community cultural health and workforce development. They bolster local arts infrastructure, create pathways for student musicians to gain real world experience, and reinforce partnerships that support equitable access to the arts across Beltrami County.