The increasing collaboration efforts within the Concordia University, Nebraska music department showcase its continued growth. One example of this is the upcoming collaboration between the University Band and the Percussion Ensemble.  

“This collaboration concert between the University Band and the Percussion Ensemble shows the growing depth of the music department,” said Professor of Music Robert Cody.  

The concert will be held at St. John Lutheran Church on Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public. 

The University Band is under the direction of Professor Robert Cody. Cody has a bachelor’s degree in K-12 music education from Concordia University, Nebraska and a master’s degree in music education with a conducting emphasis from Colorado State University. He is currently working towards his DMA in conducting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

The University Band portion of the program includes a wide variety of pieces from a backwoods hoedown to an arrange of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets.” 

“This collaboration concert between the University Band and the Percussion Ensemble shows the growing depth of the music department.”

The Percussion Ensemble is under the direction of Adjunct Professor of Music Bennet Jandreau. Jandreau holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in percussion performance from the University of North Florida and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln respectively. 

The Percussion Ensemble will be performing “Living Room Music” by John Cage, “not far from here” by Blake Tyson and “Toccata” by Carlos Chavez.  

“The percussion ensemble program features classic works that have shaped the genre from the early 20th century,” said Jandreau. “‘Living Room Music’ features found instruments (tables, cups, boxes) and spoken word, and ‘Toccata’ is recognized as one of the first percussion ensemble works.” 

“There is something for everyone in this concert. Come and enjoy!” said Cody.  

Ensemble Participation 

Students involved in University Band include:  

Flute 

Isabella Ausk, Fairbury, Nebraska 

Molly Miller, Bloomfield, Nebraska 

Lana Tillman, Battle Creek, Nebraska 

Emma VonKampen, Atkins, Iowa 

Alto Saxophone 

Bailey Anderson, Paton, Iowa 

Autumn Consier, Churdan Iowa 

Tenor Saxophone 

Taylor Beal, Frisco, Texas 

Baritone Saxophone 

Luke Ascher, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

Trumpet 

Eden Dehne, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 

Matthew Fee 

Natalie Guske, Katy, Texas 

Levi LaPlant, Saint Peter, Minnesota 

Elijah Meier, Palmer, Kansas 

Baritone 

Caleb Schlichting, Lyons, Nebraska 

Tuba 

Daniel Ascher, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

Ben Sams, Utica, Nebraska 

Percussion 

Molly Cooper, Clio, Missouri 

Micah Dehne, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 

Jonathan Morris, Seward, Nebraska 

Jacob Taylor, Fairmont, Minnesota 

Violin 

Sophie Matthias, Seward, Nebraska 

Community members involved in University Band include:  

Flute 

Jamie Riley 

Clarinet 

Jessica Schreiner 

Christie Brecka 

Trumpet 

Joshua Auman 

Jason Kettelhake 

Horn 

Joanie Brecka 

Kyle Hinkle 

Dave Wesley 

Caroline Jeppesen 

Trombone 

John Calhoon 

Students involved in Percussion Ensemble include:  

Jacob Wald, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

Naomi Weber, Fort Wayne, Indiana 

Marieka Kaufman, Milwaukie, Oregon 

Jonathan Jurchen, Seward, Nebraska 

Ethan Bryson, Clarinda, Iowa 

Aaron Wulff, Saint Charles, Missouri 

Gretchen Hoft, Eldridge, Iowa 

Shasta Tonniges, York, Nebraska 

Creighton Urban, Callender, Iowa 

Dalton Lee, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 

Molly Cooper, Clio, Michigan 

 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.