Student musicians from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology will perform Big Band era music during the Sweetheart Dinner & Dance Saturday, Feb. 17, at the SD Mines Music Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit music scholarships at Mines.
The Sweetheart Dinner & Dance will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and include a four-course meal, dessert bar and music performances by both jazz and choral students at Mines. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here. Deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, Feb. 11.
“Each meal course will be paired with musical selections ending with swing music of the World War II era,” said Haley Armstrong, D.M.A., director of bands at Mines. Tunes people might recognize include “In the Mood,” “Sing Sing Sing,” “Embraceable You” and classical pieces like “Fanfare for the Common Man.”
“This is very nostalgic music that many people know and love,” said Armstrong. “To hear it performed by such a talented group of young musicians will be a real treat.”
The goal of the dinner is not only to entertain, but to engage students in the philanthropic effort to increase the number of music scholarships offered by the Music Department. Students will serve the meals as well as perform. Two years ago, the department could offer just eight scholarships. Last year, 16 SD Mines students received music scholarships. The goal for next year – 25. Music scholarships range from $500 to $3,000. Currently, 235 of the 2,778 students at Mines are involved in its music programs.
“I think it’s important for students to be part of the philanthropy,” said Armstrong. “It’s a chance to instill the spirit of giving in our students.”
