M State Winter Concert Brings Community Music and Access
M State hosted its 2025 winter concert, The Promise of Living, on December 2 at Legacy Hall, featuring collaborative performances by the Concert Band, Concert Choir and Voice Ensemble. The event offered residents an afternoon of familiar carols and contemporary works, and highlighted the college role in local cultural life as well as transitions in music leadership.
M State presented The Promise of Living on December 2, an afternoon concert of classic carols and festive contemporary works that brought students, faculty and community members to Legacy Hall. The program began at 2 p.m. and featured collaborative instrumental and vocal pieces that combined the Concert Band, Concert Choir and Voice Ensemble, offering a single program intended to appeal to a broad cross section of Otter Tail County residents.
The college emphasized the collaborative nature of the program. "The M State Fine Arts department loves to ring in the season with a vibrant holiday concert each year," said M State Music Faculty Laura Quaintance, director of the college’s choirs. "This year’s program will highlight three special collaborative pieces that bring the band and both choirs together. With familiar melodies and spirited arrangements, the concert sets the perfect tone for the holidays. Join us for an afternoon of great music."
The Concert Band performed under the direction of Jeff Sands, who stepped into the role following the recent retirement of longtime band director Jim Iverson. The change in leadership marks a moment of continuity and renewal for M State music programs, and the concert served as an opportunity for the community to hear the new direction while honoring the work of the previous director.
Beyond entertainment value, the concert plays a role in community health and cohesion. Seasonal performances offer social connection during winter months when isolation and mood challenges can increase, especially in rural communities. Local gatherings like this can support mental wellbeing, strengthen social ties between students and residents, and bring modest economic activity to downtown Fergus Falls as attendees patronize nearby businesses.
Tickets for the event were available online at mstate.universitytickets.com. As the college continues its arts programming, the concert underscored M State’s contribution to cultural access for Otter Tail County, and the potential for public institutions to foster inclusive community engagement through the arts.
