Concordia Nebraska University Orchestra welcomes new director

The Concordia University, Nebraska University Orchestra is open to all students and community members who play a string, wind or percussion instrument. The auditioned ensemble performs a wide variety of chamber and symphonic masterworks within a collegial and supportive educational atmosphere.  For the past two years, the group has been under the direction of Assistant Professor of Music Robert Cody, who also directs the University Wind Symphony. This year, the orchestra is under the direction of Adjunct Faculty in Music Matthew Jahnke. An experienced bassist and educator, Jahnke periodically played with the group and guest conducted during Cody’s leadership. 

“I was first approached by Professor Cody about leading the orchestra last spring,” explained Jahnke. “I am absolutely thrilled and excited to accept the baton for this ensemble. Without getting too sentimental, this is a dream come true that I had for a number of years. That is, specifically directing an orchestra at a Concordia in the Concordia University System. Professor Cody and I met a number of times to discuss the possibility of this and to work out specifics of what my involvement would look like.” 

As Cody and Jahnke discussed the transition for the orchestra, both agreed that the ensemble should be auditioned, a change from previous years. 

“As the transition comes with joys and challenges, I ask the community to pray for the ensemble - and all student musicians - as they seek to serve their neighbor through music-making; myself, that I may lead with clarity and grace; and for our listeners, that they may be moved by our performances to grow in love towards God and their neighbors.”

“There is a certain air of fear and unease surrounding auditions,” said Jahnke. “Auditions are not an evaluation of good enough or not good enough. Rather, they are an opportunity to assess integration into an ensemble. Think of the orchestra as a church family. It can be difficult as a newcomer entering a church for the first time because no one knows your name and you do not know where everything is or what the expectations are. Greeters are a tool that congregations use to alleviate this uncertainty. For the orchestra, auditions are a similar tool I use to help make the transition process from newcomer to member clearer and more seamless. They also allow returning students a chance to show the growth and development they have undergone that I otherwise would be unfamiliar with, as I am not their studio teacher.” 

The orchestra will perform a fall concert on Sunday, November 8 at 4 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. The orchestra will also assist in worship at St. John during the 11 a.m. worship service the same day. Planning is underway for multiple performances in the spring semester, and details will be released as plans are finalized. 

“Professor Cody has done an excellent job working on this ensemble and developing it for the future. He is a wonderful musical technician and culture creator, which shows his ability as a modern director, conductor and ensemble leader,” said Jahnke. “I am honored that he has asked me to carry on the work he and others before him started. As the transition comes with joys and challenges, I ask the community to pray for the ensemble - and all student musicians - as they seek to serve their neighbor through music-making; myself, that I may lead with clarity and grace; and for our listeners, that they may be moved by our performances to grow in love towards God and their neighbors.” 

At Concordia University, Nebraska, music is a vibrant part of campus life. About a third of Concordia Nebraska students participate in music through lessons, ensembles and classes. Concordia Nebraska’s music students and alumni have earned regional and national honors in performance and composition, demonstrating the strength of the university’s Christ-centered music education.