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.

Current Members

View Previous Members

Sopranos

Tiana Taylor

Fall 2022

President

Major

Vocal Music Education

Expected Graduation

Fall 2025

Hometown

North Pole, AK

Biography

Tiana is a senior majoring in vocal music education! They enjoy singing with friends, finding new music to listen to, crocheting, and petting every cat they come across! A fun fact about Tiana is that they are very good at whistling.

Grace Lanners

Fall 2023

Treasurer

Major

Anthropology w/ Art History Minor

Expected Graduation

Spring 2026

Hometown

Fargo, ND

Biography

Hi! My name is Grace and I am in my 3rd year at MSUM. When I’m not in school I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and experiencing new things. A fun fact about me, is I used to have a cockroach as a pet.

Averie Burmeister

Fall 2024

Member

Major

Early Childhood Education w/ Psychology Minor

Expected Graduation

Spring 2026

Hometown

Montevideo MN

Biography

I’m Averie! I have been in choir since as long as I can remember and it is my favorite thing! I love making new friends and connections and visiting my family and doggo on the weekends. I enjoy going to the gym, geeking out over cars, and singing! Duh. So if you wanna talk cars… come chat!

Ellie Larsen

Fall 2024

Member

Major

Vocal Music Education

Expected Graduation

Fall 2027

Hometown

Eagan, MN

Biography

I'm Ellie and I'm majoring in Vocal Music Ed. Along with being apart of Solfire, I'm involved in Concert and University Choir, Piano Ensemble, Chi Alpha, and Dragon Scales. I love photography, playing the piano, and spending time with friends at coffee shops.

Altos

Natsuho Koide

Fall 2024

Member

Major

Audio Production and Entertainment Business

Expected Graduation

I'm an exchange student.

Hometown

Chiba, Japan

Biography

Hi! I'm Natsuho. I love singing, and I have been in an acappella chorus club since I was in high school. I also love to play some musical instruments, such as guitar and trombone. I want to enjoy singing and make as many friends as possible in Solfire.

Livia Douglas

Fall 2024

Member

Major

Vocal Music Education

Expected Graduation

Spring 2028

Hometown

Aberdeen, SD

Biography

Hi I’m Livia! I am a Vocal Music Education major! I enjoy playing tennis, baking, and spending time with friends. A fun fact about me is that I dressed up as a goblin and worked at a haunted house!

Jessica Utke

Fall 2024

Member

Major

Chemistry (Pre-Health) Shooting for Dental School!

Expected Graduation

Spring 2026

Hometown

Enderlin, ND

Biography

Hello! My name is Jess and this is my first semester as a part of MSUM solfire Acapella group. Last year was my first year at MSUM, and when I heard the group sing; I just knew I wanted to be a part of it. I enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and painting. A fun fact about me is that I am a part of a family band!

Abigail Troke

Fall 2024

Member

Major

Film Production

Expected Graduation

Spring 2026

Hometown

Eyota, MN

Biography

Hi, I'm Abby and, overall, I love listening to and making music, especially with other people! I sang in my first A Cappella group in High School, but have been in choir and band since Elementary. I also love taking pictures, playing the Bass Clarinet, watching movies, cooking, and thrifting.

Tenors

Ethan Bentley

Fall 2023

Web Developer

Major

Cyber Security

Expected Graduation

Spring 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

Hi, I'm Hogan! Other than Solfire, I'm a tenor in Concert Choir and I play trumpet for the Wind Ensemble. I draw a lot and am a fan of LOTR and Sherlock (the bbc show). I also have a twin brother who goes to MNSU.

Jerry Long

Fall 2023

Member

Major

Vocal Music Education

Expected Graduation

Spring 2027

Hometown

Burnsville, MN

Biography

Hi, I’m Jerry Long. I’m a founding member of the amazing band Nobody’s Favorite, and I love anything and everything relating to music. I also love watching movies, playing piano, and hanging out with my friends, band mates, and lovely girlfriend. I’ve loved every part of choir, and I’m looking forward to all the great things Solfire does this year!

Benjamin Herrington

Fall 2024

Member

Majors

Music Ed and Graphic Design

Expected Graduation

Spring 2029

Hometown

Bismarck, ND

Biography

My name is Ben I like card and board games. I love musical theater. I am also a avid Pokémon player and overall love video games.

Basses

Aspen Christeson

Spring 2024

Vice-President

Major

Social Studies Ed w/ Minor in Anthropology

Expected Graduation

Spring 2027

Hometown

Fargo, ND

Biography

In addition to Solfire, I’m involved with Dragon Anthropology Association and MUSHU Ultimate Frisbee. I also play D&D when I have time. One of my favorite things to do in my free time is to walk in the woods during fall.

Jake Anderson

Spring 2023

Public Relations

Major

Broadcast Journalism

Expected Graduation

Spring 2027

Hometown

Bagley, MN

Biography

Hi I’m Jake, I like to play video games and basketball here and there. I’ve been singing for most of my life and enjoy going to concerts and plays/musicals. I’m also a big Vikings fan and Timberwolves fan, so SKOL, and Wolves Back!