GNU Spotlight
2010 MN Twins Barbershop Day @ Target Field
Date: Sunday, August 22, 2010
Target Field - Minneapolis, MN
more more

Youth In Harmony Autumn Choral Classic
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010
St Michael's Lutheran Church - Bloomington MN
more more

ACDA of MN Summer Dialogue
Date: Thursday, August 05, 2010
Saint Olaf College, Northfield, MN
more more

GNU to Perform at ACDA Summer Dialogue
Date: Friday, April 09, 2010
The GNU will perform at the 2010 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Summer Dialogue at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN on August 5.
more more

Recording Release
It's a Grand Night for Singling CD recording released!

 

Music Director Bio

Peter Benson is in his seventh year as Music Director of the Great Northern Union. Under Peter's direction, GNU has participated in five International Contests, placing as high as 3rd and have been crowned LOL District Champions five years. He also directed the GNU for their performance at the 2008 North Central ACDA convention in Fargo, ND, where the chorus received one of only two standing ovations during the convention. He received his master's degree in choral conducting from Mankato State University in 1997. He served as Director of choral Activities at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND from 1997 to 2005, Lakeville South High School 2006-2008 and is currently an adjunct professor at the UW River Falls.

A barbershoper since 1984, Peter has been active as a quartet member, singing bass with State of the Art (1995 LOL District Champs and International Competitors) and with BreakPoint (1998 LOL District Champs and four time International Competitors).

Previous conducting experience includes directing the Harmony Junction Barbershop Chorus from Albert Lea, MN (1987-1997). He led them to several divisional championships as well as a 2nd place finish in the LOL District. He also directed Acappella Xpress, a Sweet Adeline Chorus from Fargo, ND to a Regional championship in 2000 and International competition in 2001.

Peter is also an active quartet and chorus coach around the country. He has been a clinician for several festivals and workshops throughout the Barbershop Harmony Society as well as within the educational system in the Midwest.

He currently resides in Faribault, MN with his wife Rachelle and sons David, Aaron and Luke.

A Chorus of Champions