Paul Nelson
  • Class of 2018
  • Norfolk

Paul Nelson participates in musical performances at Concordia University, Nebraska

2014 Apr 25

Students ring in springtime during three concerts at Concordia University, Nebraska: University Concert Band and Brass Ensemble, Spring JazzFest and Handbell Choir and Handbell Choir II.

Participants include:

Paul Nelson, freshman, Norfolk, Neb., paying tenor saxophone in Concert Band

The Brass Ensemble will explore a wide variety of music, performing four selections for brass. The ensemble will open with "Legends of the Pacific," a two-movement piece by Frank Gulino. In "Barn Dance" by Murray Houliff, players will use a series of body percussion to create a galloping sound along with the brass timbres. Other selections include "Circus Bee" by Henry Fillmore and "Rejouissance," a song by James Curnow that will feature Paul Soulek on organ. Soulek is the cantor at Seward's St. John Lutheran Church. The Brass Ensemble is conducted by Dr. Wendy Schultz, adjunct brass instructor.

Concordia's University Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Choir will each perform at the annual Spring JazzFest May 2. Selections include a Kerry Marsh arrangement of "Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette, a jazz arrangement of "Skylark" by Norman Luboff and "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas and the Papas. The choir is conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Kurt von Kampen, and the instrumental ensemble is directed by Assistant Professor of Music Andrew Schultz.

Both the Concordia Handbell Choir and Handbell Choir II will perform a selection of Lent and Easter music, as well as original handbell compositions. Led by adjunct instructor Jessica Kite, the choirs' songs will include percussion, bells and chimes. The Handbell Choir will play a new, fast-paced piece titled, "Exultate," as well as a jazz version of "All Creatures of Our God and King." The choirs will then join for a combined piece. Audience members are invited to try playing the bells after the performance.