MSUM Faculty Appointed Principals with FM Symphony
Two Minnesota State University Moorhead music professors have been appointed to principal positions with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra.
Tom Strait, associate professor of music and chair of the Music Department, has been appointed principal trumpet. Previously a substitute performer, this will be his first season as a full-time Symphony member. Strait also performs with the Jazz Arts Group of Fargo-Moorhead (a jazz big band), the Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome (a local rock band), the Simon Rowe Trio, and freelance engagements. He just completed his eighth year at MSUM.
Kenyon Williams, associate professor of music, has been appointed principal percussion. He has performed with the Symphony for the past seven years, beating out percussionists from Minneapolis, Indiana and Kansas for the principal position. 
Williams directs and performs with two other professional groups, Poco Fuego Steel Drum Quintet, and Soulsa de Fargo, a nine-piece salsa ensemble. He just completed his seventh year at MSUM.
Besides Strait and Williams, 10 MSUM faculty and staff members perform in the Symphony Orchestra.