NE North Dakota News

Every Thursday afternoon, the Memorial Union Ballroom at the University of North Dakota (UND) becomes a hub of music and camaraderie as faculty and staff gather for rehearsals. This group forms the Hawks in Harmony choir, an initiative started by vice provost for Faculty Affairs Randi Tanglen. Inspired by a similar program at another institution, Tanglen proposed the idea to Brad Rundquist, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Rundquist then approached Melanie Popejoy, associate director of choral activities, to lead this endeavor.

Popejoy has spent over two decades fostering musical connections through her work with both young singers in the Grand Cities Children’s Choir and choirs at UND. Upon hearing about the community choir proposal from Rundquist, she was eager to participate. “I think Brad came right to my office after his meeting with Randi, and before he could get all the words out, I said, ‘yes, yes, yes and yes,’” Popejoy recalled.

The choir quickly gained traction within the UND community. Initially expecting around 50 participants, more than 90 faculty and staff members joined Hawks in Harmony. The ensemble includes individuals with varying levels of musical experience. Popejoy embraces this diversity: “I believe that we are all innately musical in some way,” she stated.

From late September to mid-November, the choir met weekly to rehearse songs like “Here Comes the Sun” and “Wonderful Christmastime.” Their efforts culminated in a performance at UND's Winter WUNDerland concert last Saturday. The group is receiving invitations to perform at various campus events.

Chelsea Larson from the College of Education & Human Development joined without prior singing experience but was drawn by Popejoy's reputation: “As soon as I learned that Melanie Popejoy was the director... if ever I’m going to sing in a choir, it’s going to be with Melanie Popejoy,” Larson said.

Rehearsals offer members a respite from their daily routines. Larson expressed how singing provides relief from her busy schedule: “It’s not so much the performances that make this special — it’s the break it gives us in our days.”

At a recent performance on Memorial Union Social Stairs, Popejoy described rehearsals as therapeutic for participants. Carly Flaagan from Music Therapy agreed: singing releases chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin which have health benefits including boosting immunity.

Flaagan returned to UND after working as a music therapist elsewhere and found joining Hawks in Harmony beneficial for reconnecting with campus life: "Singing in a choir helps create a sense of connection," she noted.

Popejoy emphasized music's role in fostering community ties: “It’s about using music... building bridges across our campus community... Music is such a good way to bring everyone into a room."