In Memory of Fred Christiansen (1929-2021)

Bigger picture is 50K Fred warmed up in the Roseville Area Middle School band room.

Former Role in Roseville Big Band: 

Second trombone

Member during: 

1992 through 2003

Occupation: 

Retired architect

An enthusiastic supporter of the Roseville Big Band, both as a player and as a member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Roseville, where the band rehearses, Fred's optimistic outlook on life lifted the sprits of his friends and fellow musicians.

Fred also performed with the orchestra at St. Michael's in Bloomington.

He led the Peterson Band in the Northfield area in the late 40's. Then, in the early 50's, Fred played in the 199th Army Band and the 5th Armored Division Band and participated in the recording of all of Karl King's published works. He also played in the Fort Smith Symphony as well as rodeo and ice show bands.

After leaving the army, Fred taught instrumental and vocal music in Valier, Montana.

Web site visitors from St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, might remember Fred as a music teacher and member of the Interstate Band from 1954 through 1957.

In 1957, while in graduate school, Fred succeeded Dale Warland as director of the Hope Lutheran Church choir. He also led the church's brass ensemble.

After completing graduate school, Fred's musical involvement broadened to the architectural design of auditoriums and other music performance spaces. These included the recital hall and auditorium in the Arts and Sciences building in St. Paul, the recital hall at the University of Notre Dame, and many others.

Visitors from Rochester, Minneapolis, and other Minnesota communities might remember Fred as a trombonist with the Lind Brass Ensemble, which played at numerous hospitals, churches, schools, and other venues from 1958 through 1985.

Fred also played trombone in the Roseville Community Band.

Fred recommended St. Michael's Lutheran Church for Roseville Big Band Rehearsals when the band was looking for an alternative to rehearsing in the Roseville schools music rooms. He designed the storage area the band uses at St. Michael's and built it with the help of another member of the church.

Fred was born March 5, 1929. He passed away November 4, 2021.

This page was last updated
Monday, November 08, 2021.


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