From the classroom to a historic stage: NDSU music students perform at Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library grand opening

The grand opening celebration of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora was one for the history books. For 17 current and alumni NDSU students, taking part in the historic July 4 celebration was more than a performance — it was a chance to represent NDSU on one of the state's biggest stages.

Among the trumpet players were Rylie Schick and Jackie Juarez, both music education majors with an instrumental emphasis. During the opening ceremony, they joined their fellow musicians on the library's rooftop to perform Concert Fanfare as Rough Rider reenactors rode down the hillside, creating one of the ceremony's signature moments. The music students only had one chance to rehearse their performance before the big event, making the cumulation of their hard work worthwhile.

When thinking back on their performance, Juarez recalls watching the drones flying overhead, capturing the performance for those who could not attend in person.

“Watching the flags go up while we played, it was a trance-like state almost, knowing that it's something so big and you're here to do what you love for the nation,” said Juarez, a sophomore from Devils Lake.

The grand opening marked Juarez's first major performance since changing her major to music education last year. The experience strengthened her confidence, professionalism and reinforced that not everything has to be perfect.

Schick, a senior from Mandan, said she felt pride telling guests and other ceremony participants that she’s an NDSU student in the Challey School of Music.

“It’s very cool because there’s not a lot of colleges or universities in North Dakota specifically that would be able to represent on such a huge stage, and to be one of the schools that has the staff to support us and the administration to allow us to go there and make it as accessible as possible was really special,” Schick said.

Beyond the performance itself, Schick appreciated seeing everything that happened behind the scenes. Watching the planning, communication and coordination required to produce an event of this scale gave her valuable insight she hopes to use one day as a music educator organizing performances for her own students.

Both students expressed gratitude to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library staff and volunteers for creating an unforgettable experience. They also credited Jeremy Brekke, associate professor of trumpet, whose leadership and advocacy made the performance possible.

“Huge props to Dr. Brekke, because this would not have happened at all if he had not reached out and advocated for us, navigated us and believed in our skill and ability to get there,” Schick said.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library performance is one of the many opportunities the Challey School of Music provides students. Both Schick and Juarez find opportunities like this beneficial for applying lessons from music theory, history and conducting in meaningful, real-world settings while performing alongside their peers.

“This was a big proclamation of working hard on all of these things, and this is your chance to showcase what the NDSU music program is,” said Juarez. “Since I’m just starting, this is a great foundation for what is yet to come and the future opportunities.”

Schick, who has been a part of various ensembles throughout her time at NDSU, including the Gold Star Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble and Brass Band, considers NDSU the best decision she has made.

“I’ve never been more grateful to be somewhere,” she said. “NDSU is the perfect starting place if you want to grow and do more. The faculty sets you up for success.”

Juarez shares the same sentiment, considering the Challey School of Music a family that is always there to support each other regardless of your major.

“One of NDSU’s specialties is providing a sense of connection with the students, faculty and across campus,” she said. “The Challey School of Music does so many things for campus, and you see members of any band ensemble all over the place. Even when it comes to non-music students, they’re so heavily involved in the music programs that it connects more departments than just in the Challey School of Music. It’s such a tight-knit family.”

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