"Better Together" will be the theme of the 40th Annual Scholarship Benefit Concert, hosted by the UNI School of Music. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 at the Great Hall in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) on the University of Northern Iowa campus. 

The evening will be filled with exceptional performances by student ensembles and faculty musicians including performances by the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, UNI Opera, UNI Wind Ensemble, with faculty pianist Sean Botkin and faculty percussionists Matt Andreini and Kramer Milan, UNI Choirs, and UNI Jazz Band One. 

“This event will be a celebration of our student ensembles returning and being able to perform together,” said Caroline Francis, Communications and Operations Coordinator for the School of Music, “but it’s also a celebration of our audience returning to the Gallagher Bluedorn and of our students and faculty being able to share a live music experience with them again.” 

Following the concert, audience members are invited to enjoy chocolates and beverages in the Gallagher Bluedorn lobby, with music provided by the Hands of Time, featuring faculty artists Christopher Merz, Bob Dunn, Jon Schwabe and Mike Conrad, with guest Dennis Johnson. 

The Scholarship Benefit Concerts have been raising scholarship funds for exceptionally talented music students and students in need for many years. All seats for the benefit concert are reserved. Individual tickets may be purchased in person at the Gallagher Bluedorn box office, by calling 319-273-4TIX or 877-549-SHOW (7469) or at unitix.uni.edu.

To become a special donor and receive complimentary tickets, contact the School of Music office by calling 319-273-2028.

For more information on this event or the UNI School of Music, contact Caroline Francis, UNI School of Music communications and operations coordinator at 319-273-2028 or caroline.francis@uni.edu.