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Now that my weekly blogging assignment for my Professional Writing class is wrapping up, I’ve been thinking about what this whole experience actually taught me. When we first started, the idea of writing a post every single week felt a little overwhelming. I wasn’t sure I’d have enough to say, or that anyone would even want to read it. But somewhere along the way, it became something I looked forward to—almost like a little check-in with myself. Some weeks were easy. I knew e

One of the biggest lessons I’ve picked up from singing in choirs—whether at NDSU with Concert Choir, the Madrigal Singers or in the community with Fargo Moorhead Choral Artists—is that “professional preparation” begins long before the performance. It starts quietly at home, with a pencil in hand, marking tricky rhythms, checking intervals, and getting comfortable enough with the music that rehearsal can be about shaping phrases instead of scrambling for notes. When everyone

Music is the place I return to over and over again—on good days and bad. It doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t wait to welcome me until everything is polished. It just gives me room to show up as I am. Some days, my voice feels strong and responsive. Other days, I warm up and realize things aren’t lining up the way I hoped. Maybe the breath feels shallow, my legato isn’t a smooth as I need, the resonance isn’t settling, or the high notes just don’t feel supported. In the p

25 year annual NDSU tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah There is a certain feeling when the leaves have mostly fallen, the winds begin to bite, and we feel that winter is drawing near. There is a quiet invitation to gather closer, to remember, and to lift our voices in song. For me, this season has always been deeply connected to my faith and to honoring the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Music becomes the vessel that helps me reflect on His life and feel closer to H

This past Friday evening, I attended the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company's stunning production of Verdi's La Traviata at Festival Hall at NDSU. From the first notes of the overture, I felt myself swept into a world of beauty and heartbreak. The music was exquisite, the acting sincere, and the emotions — overwhelming at times. By the tragic ending, I found tears in my eyes, not just for Violetta's fate, but for the tenderness and truth the story revealed about love and sacrifice.

"Nothing We Can Do" from Orpheus in the Underworld This week in Opera Workshop has been one of those times that reminds me why I love performing so much. We've been hard at work preparing for our upcoming Opera Showcase, and I'm so excited to share a little sneak peek of what's been happening behind the scenes! One of the numbers we're performing is " Nothing We Can Do" from a modern version of Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld — a lively and comedic scene that has been

There is a quiet kind of gift that comes in simply choosing to sit — really sit — for a while, without fidgeting or rushing on to the...

“Only In Sleep” by Eriks Esenvalds This Sunday, October 5 at 2pm, the NDSU Concert Choir will gather in Festival Hall to share a truly...

As singers, our voices are our instruments, and during cold and flu season, they need extra care. I was recently reminded of this the...

Being a part of not just one, but two incredible musical groups at NDSU has been a great joy. Singing with the Concert Choir and the...

Last year I took an online class called Computer Science Problem Solving (CSCI 159), and honestly, it was one of the hardest class I've...

Today, at this year's NDSU State of the University Address, I had the unique opportunity of singing with the Madrigal Singers to close...

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it takes to make the most of this final year at NDSU. While both exciting and bittersweet, this year...

As I begin my final year at North Dakota State University, I can’t help but think about how music has shaped my life and the direction I...

What a wonderful experience it was to sing with the Concert Choir on May 11, 2025, at St. Paul's Newman Center chapel on Mother's Day. It...

Welcome to Jennifer West's Music Porfolio ! If you’re looking for someone who’s passionate about music and teaching, you’ve come to the...