About
Who we are
Solfire is a student-led a cappella ensemble comprised of students from Minnesota State University Moorhead of all different undergraduate studies. Members are selected through a no-preparation-needed audition process at the beginning of each semester.
Solfire frequently performs at various MSUM campus events such as the Dragon's Got Talent show and the Scholarship Gala. Additionally, they perform off campus in various community locations and at other choral concerts at MSUM.
Solfire aims to bring high-quality and fun music to the campus and the greater Fargo/Moorhead community for all to enjoy.
History
Solfire began as a nameless barbershop group project for a music industry class in the early 2010s. After this project was completed, a few students wanted to keep singing together. Gathering a few other members from the choir, this group became known as CutXTime.
With guidance from Dr. Allen Carter, the group began performing for events such as MSUM's commencement and gala nights, as well as opening for the group Home Free.
As members of CutXTime were nearing the end of their time in college, Dr. Erynn Millard aided with the development of making the group an official student organization in 2016 under the name we all know and love. The group remained student-led and has become a staple of MSUM.
Sopranos
Anna Beauchamp
Fall 2022
Social Media Coordinator
Major
Commercial Music
Expected Graduation
Spring 2024
Hometown
Fargo, ND
Biography
Hi, I’m Anna! I am a senior majoring in commercial music with a minor in entertainment business. I enjoy performing around town, writing original music (more to come this spring!), and being outside. A fun fact about me is that I love to incorporate music into my work with people struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.
Callie Stonecipher
Fall 2021
Graphic Designer
Major
Animation
Expected Graduation
Spring 2024
Hometown
Bismarck, ND
Biography
I feel so lucky to perform in Solfire and MSUM Concert Choir---two groups that have greatly impacted my time at MSUM! Outside of singing, I play on the MSUM Women's Club Volleyball team, serve as President of MSUM Animation Club, and am in the Honors Program. I also love to read, paint, and work out in my free time. Some of my favorite memories of my time at MSUM include singing the National Anthem at the homecoming game of Fall 2021, the choir trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul in the Fall of 2022, and studying abroad in Lincoln, England in the Spring of 2023!
Grace Lanners
Fall 2023
Member
Major
Anthropology
Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Hometown
Fargo, ND
Biography
I just recently joined Solfire this past semester, however I am and have been a member of choir not only in college but for many years prior. Although probably my most active hobby, music is not my only interest. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, starting a new series and/or watching movies, as well as adventuring out to new places and trying new things.
Hope Sperr
Spring 2023
Member
Major
Early Childhood Education w/ Special Education Minor
Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Hometown
Donnelly, MN
Biography
Hey hey y'all, I'm Hope! I enjoy thrift shopping, reading, painting, fishing, and dancing like nobody's watching! I love Jesus, and I'm very active in my faith and small groups at church. I also love listening to podcasts and going to the movies! A few more random facts about me: my favorite movies are The Breakfast Club, Another Cinderella Story, and The Sound of Music. My favorite color is green, and my favorite animals are sharks and butterflies.
Altos
ElLie Eggl
Fall 2022
Treasurer
Major
English
Art w/ Painting Emphasis
Expected Graduation
Summer 2024
Hometown
Bismarck, ND
Biography
I'm an artist and writer who enjoys sewing, crafting, and other creative hobbies. Singing is my way of engaging with community, and I love this group!
Liv Hanson
Fall 2023
Event Coordinator
Major
Studio Art w/ Drawing and Illustration Emphasis
Expected Graduation
Spring 2027
Hometown
St. Anthony Village, MN
Biography
Hello! My name is Liv Hanson, and I am a studio art major here at MSUM. I enjoy playing multiple instruments and playing live music with my band. My favorite things to collect are CDs, stickers, and patches. If you see me in the art building, feel free to say hi!
Tiana Taylor
Fall 2022
Vice-President
Major
Vocal Music Education
Expected Graduation
Fall 2025
Hometown
North Pole, AK
Biography
Tiana is a junior majoring in vocal music education! They enjoy singing with friends, listening to new music, crocheting, and petting every cat they come across! A fun fact about Tiana is they can whistle really well!
Tenors
Ethan Bentley
Fall 2023
Member
Major
Cyber Security
Expected Graduation
2028
Hometown
Moorhead, MN
Biography
My name is Ethan Bentley. As well as being in Solfire, I am also an Eagle Scout. I like spending time with friends, building with Legos, playing DnD, singing in groups, listening to music, and many more things that I don't have room to put.
Hogan Bergene
Fall 2023
Member
Major
Psychology
Expected Graduation
Fall 2025
Hometown
Adams, MN
Biography
My name is Hogan Bergene! Along with Solfire, I’m a tenor in Concert Choir and a trumpet in the Wind Ensemble. I like to play games and read in my free time. I’m also a twin!
John Lahlum
Fall 2022
President
Major
Vocal Music Education
Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Hometown
Delano, MN
Biography
Hey everyone! I love singing, writing music, playing Minecraft, going out to eat with friends, rewatching The Office, and roller skating! I also love to cook when I have the opportunity to. I really enjoy getting to meet new people, so I love going out and performing with different groups and getting to meet everybody on a more personal level. Some fun facts about me include: I absolutely cannot for the life of me tie a knot behind my back, I love learning about new tech stuff, and I simply love this group. :)
Basses
Aspen Christeson
Spring 2024
Member
Major
Social Studies
Expected Graduation
Spring 2027
Hometown
Fargo, ND
Biography
A recovering ex-theatre kid, I’m now involved with academic clubs and MUSHU Ultimate Frisbee. I enjoy the outdoors and a good shopping trip. I fill my free time with watching anything Star Wars, D&D, video games, and good books.
David Avelsgard
Fall 2023
Member
Major
Broadcast Journalism w/ Sports Communications Minor
Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Hometown
Sebeka, MN
Biography
Hey everyone! I’m David Avelsgard from the very small town of Sebeka, MN. My major is Broadcast Journalism because my ultimate goal is to become a play-by-play announcer for either the MLB or the NBA. In my free time, I love going to concerts, hanging with friends and family, playing sports, and going to sporting events. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been fortunate to be on the game show “Wheel of Fortune” TWICE!
Jake Anderson
Spring 2023
Member
Major
Broadcast Journalism
Expected Graduation
Spring 2027
Hometown
Bagley, MN
Biography
I am an arts and sports fanatic. Growing up, I was in band choir, and theater, while also being a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. I am a die-hard Timberwolves fan, and I like to hangout with friends, and play video games.
Joe Rosener
Spring 2022
Member
Major
Film Production
Expected Graduation
Spring 2024
Hometown
Le Mars, IA
Biography
I like to make and watch movies, bike, be outdoors, read, play board games and hang out with friends.
