ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University students Anizye Grode and Elias Heier will present their senior recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in the Jewett Theater at the Johnson Fine Arts Center.
The recital will feature piano and oboe performances, a marimba selection and a piano duet, showcasing the students' musical development and accomplishments during their time at Northern.
Grode, a native of Streeter, North Dakota, is majoring in music education and expects to graduate in May 2027. Heier, of Tea, South Dakota, is pursuing degrees in English education and music education and also expects to graduate in May 2027.
Grode's piano performances will include Johann Mattheson's Fantasy in C Minor, Gottfried Stölzel's Menuett in G Majorand John Field's Nocturne No. 5, H. 37. She will also perform selections on oboe from Robert Schumann's Drei Romanzen, Op. 94, and Carl Nielsen's Fantasiestücke, Op. 2.
Heier's piano selections will include movements from Bohuslav Martinů's Puppets, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Fantasia in D Minor, K. 397, and the second movement of Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major. He will also perform “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen, arranged for marimba by Robert Oetomo.
Together, Grode and Heier will perform a piano duet featuring Mozart's Sonata in C Major, K. 19d.
For Grode, the recital represents years of dedication and preparation for a future in music education.
“This recital is the culmination of our time spent here at Northern,” Grode said. “Through these pieces, you will see years of growth as musicians, students, and people.”
Grode said she chose Northern because of its welcoming environment and supportive faculty.
“I chose Northern because it felt like home,” Grode said. “The music faculty is incredibly welcoming, accepting, and supportive, and I would not be where I am today without their steadfast commitment to my learning.”
Following graduation, Grode plans to pursue a career teaching elementary music or middle or high school band.
“Helping others has always been my goal, and music has always been my passion,” Grode said. “My time at Northern has taught me how to incorporate my goal and passion into a lifestyle and career, and I am forever grateful for my time spent here.”
Heier also views the recital as an opportunity to reflect on his musical and academic development.
“This recital is an incredibly meaningful opportunity to showcase the work and growth that we have put into our instruments, education, and musicality over the course of our time at Northern,” Heier said.
Heier credits Northern's faculty with helping shape his educational experience and preparation for a career in teaching.
“I chose Northern largely due to its exceptional faculty,” Heier said. “Both the English and Music programs have outstanding faculty, all of whom have shown me respect and true care during my time here. I also thank them for teaching me what it means to be a learner, teacher, and person.”
The students have studied under Northern faculty members Kenneth Boulton, Andrew Wulf, Marcela Faflak and Terry Beckler. Boulton will also serve as an accompanist for the recital.
The recital is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Choir Room.
For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.