What are Benedictine Days?
We here at the Center believe that every day is a Benedictine day, so what is this all about? Benedictine Days are our way of reaching out to the world with a very specific purpose in mind: to infuse the world with the Benedictine spirit. We believe that the Benedictine spirit is a necessary and critical need for our society and our world in this moment today, and so we are hosting events to address this need. With insightful, lively presenters, we will gather for presentations and discussion on one or more Benedictine values and how they interface with problems and issues that impact all of us, locally and globally. Why do the Benedictine values matter and how do they matter in our world? Thought-provoking conversation and enjoyable food, nourishing our bodies and our souls, will set the tone for these events. We hope to engage old friends, as well as bring new faces through the doors of the Monastery to experience the gift of this Community and all of Benedictine life!
Come and encounter the power of the Benedictine spirit for ourselves and for our world…
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
5:30 p.m. check-in and hors d'oeuvres, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. program
St. Scholastica Monastery
What does it mean to listen with the ear of one’s heart in our world today? How can the Benedictine values inspire and guide us to manifest love and healing in the brokenness we see all around us?
We invite you to an evening of food, conversation, and sharing with Dr. Bret Amundson, musician, professor, and conductor at the College of St. Scholastica. Join us as we explore the question of how music-making can lead us to deeper connection with one another, as Dr. Amundson speaks of his own journey and vision for healing and wholeness in the difficulties and challenges of the times in which we live.
Dr. Bret Amundson is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where he also directs Bella Voce, The College's select treble ensemble. In addition to his work at CSS, Dr. Amundson is the Artistic Director of the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Saint John’s University, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Saint Cloud State University, a Doctorate of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, and an MBA in Change and Leadership from The College of St. Scholastica.
Choirs under Dr. Amundson’s direction have performed at state and regional conventions. In 2007, the Cathedral High School Concert Choir was invited to perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association’s Mid-Winter Clinic. That same year, he was awarded the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota’s Outstanding Young Conductor Award. In 2015, Twin Ports Choral Project was invited to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference and, in 2016, the North Central ACDA Regional Conference. In 2017, Bella Voce was invited to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference and in 2018, the Lake Superior Youth Chorus' Cantemus was invited to perform at that same conference. In 2020, Bella Voce performed at the North Central ACDA Regional Conference. In 2014, Dr. Amundson was awarded The College’s Benedictine Professorship in General Education and in 2015, he was named one of Duluth’s 20 Under 40.
Dr. Amundson maintains an active schedule as clinician, adjudicator, presenter, and guest conductor for choral festivals and conferences around the country. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, the College Music Society, Chorus America, and the VoiceCare Network.
**There is no fee for Benedictine Days events, but gifts to support the Center for Spirituality and Enrichment (a ministry of the Sisters of St. Scholastica) are gratefully accepted.
(Average cost per person is $35 to provide Benedictine Days events)
Please call (218) 348-6280 if you have need of overnight accommodations.
Register early, as space is limited.
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