Brass Band salutes veterans, first responders
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The Brass Band of Minot will open its 2026-2027 season with a patriotic concert, “America 250: The Brass Band of Minot Salutes Veterans & First Responders,” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the Minot State University campus. The concert is both a tribute to the country's military and in memory of founding Brass Band of Minot member Todd Cresap, who passed away Sept. 12.
The Brass Band of Minot is conducted by Wayne Schempp and consists of brass and percussion players from western North Dakota who range from high school students to music educators.
The concert will include a variety of patriotic music, including a musical depiction of the Civil War called "American Civil War Fantasy" by Jerry Bilik. It will include popular marches, an arrangement of armed forces service songs and the big band jazz classic "American Patrol" by Frank Meachem. The North Dakota National Guard's Cover Down Brass Ensemble will give the band a mid-concert break by playing several pieces.
Cover Down Brass Ensemble is part of the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 188th Army Band. The ensemble provides musical support for military ceremonies as well as community relations and educational outreach events. Cover Down regularly performs for soldiers, veterans, students and community members across North Dakota.
Cover Down ensemble members include: Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Johnson, tuba; Staff Sgt. Augustus Tandberg, non-commissioned officer in charge, horn; Sgt. Ben Helfrich, musical director, trombone; Sgt. Andrew Bergan, trumpet; Sgt. Amanda Fox, public affairs, horn; Sgt. Natalie Helfrich, trombone; Sgt. Jaden Rohrich, trumpet; Spc. Jack Austin, trumpet; Spc. Anson Chojnacki, trombone; and Spc. Ryan Guagenti, trumpet.
Brass Band of Minot concerts are free and open to the public, though cash and check donations are accepted. The hall has a hearing loop system for hearing aid users and an elevator accessible from the east side of Old Main.