DWU music groups to perform in eastern South Dakota

MITCHELL – The Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music at Dakota Wesleyan University will sponsor a tour of eastern South Dakota venues Apr. 24-27. The Highlanders and Wesleyan Bells will visit Parkston, Ethan, Hartford, Canistota, Freeman, Dell Rapids, Sioux Falls and Watertown. All church performances are free and open to the public.

On Thursday, Apr. 24, the groups will perform at Parkston High School, Ethan High School, and end the day with a performance at the Hartford Lutheran Church at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Apr. 25, the groups will perform at Canistota High School and Freeman High School. Their evening performance will be given at the Dell Rapids United Methodist Church at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Apr. 26, a morning performance will be given at Trail Ridge Senior Living Complex in Sioux Falls. After some free time, the groups will perform at 7 p.m. at Sioux Falls First United Methodist Church.

Sunday, the groups will perform at both morning worship services and then stage a 2 p.m. concert at Watertown First United Methodist Church before heading back to Mitchell.

The Highlanders are under the director of Dr. Clinton Desmond, Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities. The Wesleyan Bells, the only collegiate bell choir in South Dakota, are directed by Assistant Professor of Music Erin Desmond.