Noon Hour Concert

Description

Performing for the Noon Hour Concert on Thursday, August 29 at Calvary Lutheran Church at 12:15 to 12:45 is Baritone Soloist, Blake Staines. He is a recent graduate of Bemidji State University, receiving bachelor’s degrees in both psychology and vocal performance. During his vocal education, he studied vocal performance under Dr. Cory Renbarger. Although Staines has graduated, he plans to continue studying with Dr. Renbarger while researching graduate programs for vocal performance.

During his time at BSU, Staines has been active in almost every vocal ensemble and activity offered, including vocal lessons and vocal studio, the Bemidji Choir, Bemidji Opera Theater, and Chamber Singers ensembles. He has also played numerous lead roles in multiple BSU opera productions, including Amahl and the Night Visitors and The Telephone (both composed by Gian Carlo Menotti) and has performed solos at multiple gala and fundraiser events, most notably BSU’s “Opera Night”. He is currently cast in the Bemidji Opera Theater’s upcoming fall production of The Marriage of Figaro.

Staines has won multiple scholarships and awards at BSU, including the Carl O. Thomson Music Scholarship, and the Don and Ione Dekrey Vocal Performance Scholarship. Last year at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), he placed 3rd in the advanced division of senior vocalists and plans to compete again next year in the graduate division. 

Free will donations are accepted.