The Bemidji Choir, founded in 1937 by Carl O. Thompson, is the premier ensemble at Bemidji State University. Membership is by audition and is open to all majors. The Bemidji Choir was accepted by audition to perform at multiple state conventions as well as the 2003 ACDA National Convention in New York City. The choir has also gained an international reputation of excellence, representing the United States five times at the international choral festival, The Europa Cantat in France, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain; and at the Zimriya World Assembly of Choirs in Israel.

Each year the Bemidji Choir takes a regional tour during the spring semester and an international tour every third year.  This year, the choir is traveling to Latvia and Estonia in May.

Dr. Dwight Jilek is the director of Choral Activities at Bemidji State University and conducts the Bemidji Choir, Chamber singers, Darnenstimmen Women’s Choir and Musikanten Men’s Chorus.  He also teaches conducting, choral literature, and choral arranging.