Archive Posts
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In Our Prayers: Professor James Callahan
In Our PrayersDr. James Callahan, a longtime professor in the Department of Music, passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2023. Known as "Jim" by his colleagues, Callahan taught piano, organ, music theory, composition, orchestration and various other classes at the University of St. Thomas from 1968 until his retirement in 2006. He was recipient of a number…
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First-Year Student Named Finalist in Broadway World’s Next on Stage
Humans of St. ThomasWhen first-year student Ashley Wongbi entered the University of St. Thomas, she knew she wanted to be a part of the performing arts. “Theater was a big part of me growing up,” Wongbi reflected. “I started in sixth grade through musicals at school. I started choir and started taking dance classes as well. When I… -
VIDEO: St. Thomas Students Collaborate to Save Discarded Pianos
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationIt’s a heavy, clunky and often emotional problem: how to dispose of an old piano. Once glorified as a beautifully crafted wooden frame housing musical strings and polished keys, unwanted pianos can often end up neglected and ultimately, in the trash. To solve that issue, every fall University of St. Thomas students seek sustainable alternatives.… -
In the News: Karen Howard on Access to Somali Music in Minnesota
In the NewsKaren Howard, professor of music education at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with the Sahan Journal about access to Somali music resources in Minnesota. From the story: Howard, an associate professor of music education at the University of St. Thomas and the series editor for the World Music Initiative, said that local music… -
Tales from the Archives: Christmas Choral Music at St. Thomas
People & CultureAnticipation is building as the university community eagerly awaits the annual Christmas concert at Orchestra Hall Dec. 3. Delighting in this cherished tradition, look back to the rich history of the annual Christmas concerts at St. Thomas. Some of the first Christmas concerts date to the 1930s when the student choral ensembles of the College… -
University Organist Presents Three Solo Concerts and Lecture in Poland
Professional NotesDr. Jacob Benda, director of music, liturgy and sacred arts and organ area professor at the University of St. Thomas, recently visited Krakow, Poland, to present three solo organ concerts and a lecture for the International Conference on Sacred Music at the Pontifical University of John Paul II. On Nov. 19, Benda performed inaugural concerts… -
St. Thomas Christmas Concert Celebrates Mary Agnes McQuinn
Arts & HumanitiesThe 36th annual St. Thomas Christmas concert, “Reflections of Gratitude,” is dedicated in memory of Mary Agnes McQuinn, beloved philanthropist and music lover. The concert, to be held on Dec. 3 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, features over 200 student performers in Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Donne Unite, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and String Orchestra. Brass… -
Schoenecker Center on the Road to Completion
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationThe summer on south campus has been an active one as construction crews continue work on the four-story Schoenecker Center supporting engineering, arts and the sciences. The new facility is scheduled to open next spring. Staff photographer Mark Brown took photos and videographer Nick Clausen used a first-person view drone to capture footage of the… -
In the News: North Central American Guild of Organists Perform at Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
Arts & HumanitiesJacob Benda, music professor at the University of St. Thomas and director of music, liturgy and sacred arts at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, was recently featured in a review of the North Central American Guild of Organists’ convention by the Star Tribune. From the story: Tuesday’s opening concert made the big sound of… -
Serving the Culture: Symphonic Wind Ensemble Reflects on Greece Tour
Arts & HumanitiesAfter only a few days on the road, Maia Toenies ’26 knew this wasn’t going to be your average run-of-the-mill band trip. A flute player and member of the University of St. Thomas Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Toenies jumped at the chance to join the ensemble’s 2023 international tour of Greece. She expected to perform in…