Concordia University, Nebraska Percussion Ensemble and University Band to hold combined concert

Seward, NE (04/24/2026) — 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."

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

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