Dr. Russell Svenningsen, Augustana School of Music director of vocal studies and associate professor of music, is the first South Dakota professor to have conducted the 69th Annual South Dakota All-State Chorus, hosted by the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA).
The performance took place on Oct. 30, at Summit Arena at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota, and featured more than 900 singers from high schools across the state. Just days before the event, the original guest chorus conductor stepped aside, leaving SDHSAA officials scrambling to find a replacement.
Enter Svenningsen, who came highly recommended by University of South Dakota (USD) Director of Choral Activities David Holdhusen, USD Associate Professor of Music Timothy Campbell and Roosevelt High School Head Vocal Director Robyn Starks Holcomb.
“Robyn asked me if I was willing to do it, and I said, ‘Absolutely,’” Svenningsen said. “The only answer to that is ‘yes.’”
The All-State Chorus has never been led by a South Dakota conductor because the SDHSAA wants students to gain experience with a conductor outside of the region — someone they may not otherwise have contact with.
“When Brooks Bowman (SDHSAA assistant executive director) called me, he said, ‘You’re the first South Dakotan to do it, and you’re going to be the last,’” Svenningsen recalled.
When Svenningsen arrived at the venue on Friday morning, a full day of rehearsals began. This was followed by Saturday morning and afternoon rehearsals, and culminated in the performance that night. Despite having taught high school students early in his musical career, Svenningsen said he hit a roadblock with one particular score that was written for a professional vocal jazz quartet — “I Am Alive” by Greg Jasperse.
“This was not my program; I didn’t pick this music,” said Svenningsen. “I’m running this piece, and in my mind I’m thinking, ‘We’re going to have to cut this.’
“But, I do not like the idea of not performing music that was chosen, so I decided to do what I’ve always done: roll up my sleeves and teach my butt off.”
Svenningsen taught until the arena of high school students and their choral conductors watching rehearsals “went bananas” with praise. When the concert came around on Saturday night, Svenningsen said he was thrilled with the performance.
“It was the students that made the experience so special because they bought in 100%,” Svenningsen said. “They trusted me, and to have students place their trust like that is a sacred thing.
“It was the highlight of my professional career — by far the greatest musical experience I’ve ever had.”
The feeling was mutual among the students he conducted. By Saturday morning, the students had taken to chanting ‘Russ! Russ! Russ!’ They even created a Twitter fan page in his honor called We Love Svenningsen — the bio of which reads, “Best all-state director ever.”
After the performance of a lifetime, Svenningsen said he spent more than two hours taking photos with students and signing autographs. In the days since All-State, Svenningsen said he’s had both students and high school conductors stop by to see him. He hopes that some of the students will even appear next year in the University Chorale — the choir he directs at Augustana.
“There are a ton of different opportunities for students here musically,” Svenningsen said. “We have everything from small ensemble concerts to Christmas Vespers, which includes the Augustana Orchestra and all choirs. And, because it's a liberal arts institution, most of our ensembles are rostered with non-music majors, and that's really special.”
To learn more about the Augustana School of Music, visit augie.edu/music.