An Evening of Learning and Music with Daryl Davis feat. NDSU Jazz Combo

NDSU’s Challey Institute invites you to join us for an event with Daryl Davis titled, “From Discord to Harmony: Transforming Conflict into Collaboration – An Evening of Learning and Music” on Tuesday, September 16th.

This event is free and open to all members of the NDSU community and the public. The talk will begin at 6:30 p.m., at the Fargo Theater, followed by a musical performance collaboration featuring Daryl Davis and the NDSU Jazz Combo.

Who is Daryl Davis?

Dr. Daryl Davis is an international recording artist who has performed and toured all 50 States and around the world. He has performed extensively with Chuck Berry, The Legendary Blues Band (formerly The Muddy Waters Blues Band), Elvis Presley’s Jordanaires, and many others.

As an actor Daryl received rave reviews for his stage role in The Time Of Your Life, and has done film and television roles including HBO’s acclaimed series The Wire.

As a race relations expert Dr. Daryl Davis has received numerous awards and high acclaim for his book Klan-Destine Relationships and his award-winning film documentary Accidental Courtesy. He is the first Black author to write a book on the Ku Klux Klan based upon in-person interviews and personal encounters.

His ability to get racists to renounce their ideology has sent Daryl to travel all over the United States and the world to share his methodology.

Want to RSVP?

While RSVPs are not required, they are greatly appreciated and encouraged.

• To join us in person, RSVP on Eventbrite.

• To join us virtually, register on Zoom.

About the Series

The Menard Family Distinguished Speaker Series hosts world thought leaders to share their ideas with the NDSU community on big questions that explore ways to improve the human condition and create economic opportunity. The Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by the Challey Institute thanks to a generous gift by the Menard Family.

Choral Concert: Cantemus, University Chamber Singers, and Statesmen

Choral Concert: Cantemus, University Chamber Singers, and Statesmen
2 PM Sunday, October 12
Peace Lutheran Church
Free and open to the public

High School Choral Festival Concert: Day 2 of 2

High School Choral Festival Concert: Day 2 of 2
4:30 – 6 PM Monday, Oct. 6
Festival Concert Hall
Free and open to the public

Learn more about the festival here.

High School Choral Festival Concert: Day 1 of 2

High School Choral Festival Concert: Day 1 of 2
2 – 3:30 PM Sunday, Oct. 5
Festival Concert Hall
Free and open to the public

Learn more about the festival here.

Challey Hall Dedication

North Dakota State University has long been a destination for students pursuing excellence in music. With a legacy of nurturing talent and shaping the future of music education and performance, NDSU proudly announces the renaming of the Reineke Fine Arts Center to Challey Hall, honoring the transformative philanthropic impact of the Robert ’67, ’09 and Sheila ’23 Challey family. The Challeys have had a lifelong connection and legacy to NDSU, providing significant financial support for students, faculty, programs, and now, facilities to the Challey School of Music.

“This is about more than changing the name of a building,” said NDSU President David Cook. “It’s a reflection of the incredible energy within the Challey School of Music. Thanks to the generosity of Bob and Sheila Challey, we’re investing in spaces that inspire creativity, elevate performance, and prepare our students to lead in the world of music.”

Over the past year, Challey Hall has undergone significant renovations to existing space, as well as a 9,700-square-foot addition. The building will better support students and faculty, with upgraded rehearsal and classroom areas, advanced technology, new recording studios, and enhanced performance experiences — all made possible through generous philanthropic support.

In addition, renovations to the existing Music Education Building will modernize interior spaces and update the exterior façade at the prominent corner of Bolley Dr. and 12th Ave. N., creating a more welcoming and inspiring gateway to the arts on campus.

The Challey School of Music serves nearly 160 music majors, offering degrees from bachelor’s to doctorate. Its graduates enrich communities across the region as outstanding K-12 music educators and contribute to the national academic landscape as professors in performance and conducting. The school’s continued growth is vital to both the region and the nation.

Funded entirely through philanthropy, this project reflects the deep commitment of the Challey family to the future of music education at NDSU. Challey Hall stands as a testament to the power of philanthropy and the enduring value of the arts in higher education.

“The Challey family has a proud and storied connection to NDSU, Fargo, and the many students and faculty that have passed through the campus over generations,” Bob and Sheila said in a joint statement. “We are blessed to support our beloved alma mater, and now, by investing in facilities to advance education and performance for our music students.”

As the Challey School of Music enters this exciting new chapter, Challey Hall will serve as a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration, and excellence — empowering students to shape the future of music for generations to come.

A Challey Hall dedication event will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, on Bolley Dr. and 12th Ave. N. The event will be open to the public.

Source: NDSU Foundation

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music

A THEATRE NDSU AND CHALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRODUCTION
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Sussel Crouse
Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

7:30 p.m. April 9 – 11, 2026
2 p.m. April 12
NDSU Festival Concert Hall
Tickets: ndsu.showare.com or 701-231-7969

NDSU students get in FREE. Fill out this quick Google form to reserve your tickets (make sure you are logged into your Google suite associated with your NDSU account).

Theatre NDSU and The Challey School of Music proudly present this iconic tale of love, hope, and resilience! The Sound of Music tells the story of the young nun, Maria, who is sent to the Von Trapp family to serve as governess for seven unruly children. There she teaches the children to sing and gradually captures the heart of Captain Von Trapp, only to have their world splintered by the invasion of the Nazis. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music reminds us that hope can be found and transformed into courage, and with heartfelt compassion and determination, every mountain can be climbed. Come experience this beloved musical, and let your heart be filled with THE SOUND OF MUSIC! 

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music

A THEATRE NDSU AND CHALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRODUCTION
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Sussel Crouse
Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

7:30 p.m. April 9 – 11, 2026
2 p.m. April 12
NDSU Festival Concert Hall
Tickets: ndsu.showare.com or 701-231-7969

NDSU students get in FREE. Fill out this quick Google form to reserve your tickets (make sure you are logged into your Google suite associated with your NDSU account).

Theatre NDSU and The Challey School of Music proudly present this iconic tale of love, hope, and resilience! The Sound of Music tells the story of the young nun, Maria, who is sent to the Von Trapp family to serve as governess for seven unruly children. There she teaches the children to sing and gradually captures the heart of Captain Von Trapp, only to have their world splintered by the invasion of the Nazis. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music reminds us that hope can be found and transformed into courage, and with heartfelt compassion and determination, every mountain can be climbed. Come experience this beloved musical, and let your heart be filled with THE SOUND OF MUSIC! 

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music

A THEATRE NDSU AND CHALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRODUCTION
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Sussel Crouse
Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

7:30 p.m. April 9 – 11, 2026
2 p.m. April 12
NDSU Festival Concert Hall
Tickets: ndsu.showare.com or 701-231-7969

NDSU students get in FREE. Fill out this quick Google form to reserve your tickets (make sure you are logged into your Google suite associated with your NDSU account).

Theatre NDSU and The Challey School of Music proudly present this iconic tale of love, hope, and resilience! The Sound of Music tells the story of the young nun, Maria, who is sent to the Von Trapp family to serve as governess for seven unruly children. There she teaches the children to sing and gradually captures the heart of Captain Von Trapp, only to have their world splintered by the invasion of the Nazis. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music reminds us that hope can be found and transformed into courage, and with heartfelt compassion and determination, every mountain can be climbed. Come experience this beloved musical, and let your heart be filled with THE SOUND OF MUSIC! 

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music

A THEATRE NDSU AND CHALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC CO-PRODUCTION
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Sussel Crouse
Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

7:30 p.m. April 9 – 11, 2026
2 p.m. April 12
NDSU Festival Concert Hall
Tickets: ndsu.showare.com or 701-231-7969

NDSU students get in FREE. Fill out this quick Google form to reserve your tickets (make sure you are logged into your Google suite associated with your NDSU account).

Theatre NDSU and The Challey School of Music proudly present this iconic tale of love, hope, and resilience! The Sound of Music tells the story of the young nun, Maria, who is sent to the Von Trapp family to serve as governess for seven unruly children. There she teaches the children to sing and gradually captures the heart of Captain Von Trapp, only to have their world splintered by the invasion of the Nazis. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music reminds us that hope can be found and transformed into courage, and with heartfelt compassion and determination, every mountain can be climbed. Come experience this beloved musical, and let your heart be filled with THE SOUND OF MUSIC! 

Glory

Glory

By Tracey Power

7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 – 6 and 11 – 13, 2025
NDSU Askanase Auditorium
Tickets: ndsu.showare.com or 701-231-7969

NDSU students get in FREE. Fill out this quick Google form to reserve your tickets (make sure you are logged into your Google suite associated with your NDSU account).

It’s Women’s Hockey meets A League of Their Own! Set in the Great Depression of the 1930’s, this highly engaging and humorous tale follows the journey of four women who set out to form one of the most iconic women’s hockey teams in history. Told with music and dance inspired from the jazz age, GLORY follows the true story of Canada’s own Preston Rivulettes – the pioneering Women’s Hockey Team that fought to play the game they loved, and to prove that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. This inspiring and thrilling play is the feel good story of the season that you will not want to miss!