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Saturday was a big day for local music lovers and fans of the Carnegie Cultural Center on North Freeman Avenue.
Luverne Street Music took over the lease with the city in March for the building, which has been under construction for remodeling since then.
The “Grand Open House” was a chance to show off the stately building as well as accomplishments of the blossoming non-profit music school.
The program has grown from 30 students and four teachers in 2013 to 100 students and 16 instructors today.
In addition to private vocal and instrumental lessons, the curriculum includes summer music camp, a children's choir, a pre-school string program and a chamber orchestra, plus a puppet theater camp and community band and choir on the horizon.
Students were on hand for short recitals during Saturday’s open house.
'Grandpa's Song'
Among the performers was 11-year-old Ross Bergman, son of Brian and Tami (Ver Steeg) Bergman, rural Kenneth.
Not long after starting piano lessons at Luverne Street Music, Bergman was composing his own music.
One piece, "Grandpa's Song," was created in memory of his grandpa, Evan Ver Steeg, who passed away in May.
Bergman played that song Saturday on the grand piano in the open space of the Carnegie's reception area, sunlight streaming through the signature arched windows.
Twila Ver Steeg wept quietly near the piano as her grandson's fingers flowed across the ivory keys. "It happens every time I hear it," she said dabbing at her eyes.
"I feel so blessed,” she said, trying to explain the tears of pride for her grandson and tears of pain for the recent loss of her husband.
“And I feel … That's where music speaks — when words fail."
She said she's heard “Grandpa’s Song” several times, but it doesn't always sound the same, depending on the mood of the pianist.
"You can just tell how he's feeling by how he plays," Ver Steeg said. "The piano just speaks."
She said her grandson’s natural talent was nurtured at Luverne Street Music.
"He's had terrific instructors here," Ver Steeg said, adding that his first teacher was Drew Weis, then a student at Luverne High School and gifted pianist.
Community band and choir
Saturday's open house also provided an opportunity for people to sign up for Luverne Street Music’s community band and choir.
“We have all this musical talent in Luverne,” said organizer Janine Papik, when she first announced the groups in January. “It would be fun to get everyone together and do this.”
She’s been urging adults with musical interests to join the band and/or choir in lending live music to local community events and festivals.
For example, the community band will perform at a Veterans Day event in November, and she's coordinating a Christmas cantata, "Breath of Heaven,” to be performed in the Palace Theatre Dec. 10.
“The music selected for both groups is awesome,” Papik said. “Vocalists and instrumentalists are needed for both groups.”
Rehearsal schedules were distributed at Saturday's open house, but those who missed it can still sign up with Papik at janinepapik@hotmail.com or 605-321-2055.
Papik has been working with Luverne Street Music President LaDonna Iveland, Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere and Luverne High School band director Richard Owen.
“The idea is that we'd have this core of musicians who can fit a performance to whatever occasion comes up,” Papik said.
Iveland said the program is blessed to have reached this point in its growth and relocation. “We’re so grateful for everyone’s support of Luverne Street Music,” she said.
Information is also available at the Chamber, luvernechamber@co.rock.mn.us or 507 283-4061.