Dockter’s dedication pays off
MINOT, N.D. – Winning the Senior Honors Competition is only the next step in Rachel Dockter’s lifelong music journey.
A senior music education major from Minot, she will perform the first movement of Henri Tomasi’s “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra” with the Minot Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 5 for their “Happy 90th Birthday John Williams” concert.
Having worked on the concerto for nearly a year, Dockter is eager to share her music.
“It's this mix of being very nervous but so excited,” she said. “I've never experienced playing with a full orchestra before. Ultimately, I'm excited.”
Dockter credits her time at Minot State University working alongside both her peers and professors within the Division of Performing Arts for her achievement on the saxophone.
“It's my fourth year here,” she said. “I still have one semester left after this before student teaching, and to me it feels like I'm showing the progress that I've made since I started. I had never taken private lessons in high school, so for myself, it's just kind of showing what I've been able to accomplish in the years that I've had here. For the people in the audience, I want them to enjoy it as much as I enjoy performing it.”
The Minot Symphony Orchestra’s “Happy 90th Birthday John Williams” concert is Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. It will feature music composed by John Williams, who is famous for film scores such as those from “Star Wars” and “Jurassic Park.” Dockter will perform Tomasi’s “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra” at this concert as well. Tickets for the concert can be ordered in advance through the Minot Symphony Orchestra’s WEBSITE or purchased at the door.
There is no questioning Dockter’s passion for music, nor her drive to teach. She traces her decision to pursue music education back to high school, crediting several of her music teachers from then.
“Music has always been a huge, huge part of my life,” she said. “I have such a passion for music, and I just want to be able to share that. I want to give students the same experiences and opportunities that I have had that have shaped my life. If nothing else, to instill that appreciation of the arts.”
Dockter puts her love of making and sharing music to use both inside and out of the classroom. She has gained a wealth of experience by giving private lessons to both a saxophone and a violin student, performing in various music ensembles, and serving as the president of the local chapter of the National Association for Music Education and head of the Division of Performing Arts’ Music Student Advisory Council.
“I feel like, without being involved in these different groups within the Division,” Dockter explained. “I don't think I would feel as prepared as I do. Obviously, there’s still a little bit of, ‘Oh no! We're growing up and we're graduating.’ But I really think that being involved with these different groups has made me feel like, ‘Hey I can do this. I have all the tools in my toolbox.’”
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Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 02/25/22 |
