Josh Fernau of Chadron served as percussion section leader at the Nebraska Intercollegiate Band event, according to a statement released on Mar. 24. Sebastian Garcia of Rapid City, South Dakota, performed on trumpet and Carson Hiser of Douglas, Wyoming, played alto saxophone during the concert.
The Nebraska Intercollegiate Band brings together college musicians from across the state who are nominated by their institutions’ music departments. Dr. Michael Stephens, music professor at Chadron State College (CSC), said the final performance began less than 48 hours after the band first rehearsed together. “The event is a wonderful opportunity for our students to come together and make music with some of the best college musicians in Nebraska. The concert was outstanding — the best band performance I’ve heard in years,” Stephens said.
Fernau explained that he and other students practiced their parts for weeks before arriving at the conference so they could focus on detailed work from the first rehearsal. “When we walked into rehearsal on the first day, we could go straight into detail work,” Fernau said. “I believe this was a great representation for us and the college, showing a level of professionalism you would see in any musical setting.” This marked Fernau’s second year participating; previously as a sophomore he was one of the youngest members in his section.
“This year, I was the oldest in the group, and that made a huge difference in the dynamics of my role,” Fernau said. “My schedule was more relaxed this semester, so I was able to put in the preparation it takes to succeed in this group.” He noted that serving as section leader involved mentoring younger students rather than just demonstrating technical skill: “They looked to me for guidance on scheduling, practice routines, and other logistics we needed for the final performance,” he said.
Two pieces featured Fernau: Deciduous and Whispers Between Two Skies. In Deciduous each percussionist played crotales on upside-down snare drums creating what Fernau described as a mesmerizing effect: “It was one of the most challenging pieces but it came together into a beautiful work about love and loss.” Learning that its composer wrote it after losing his father added emotional depth to performing it.
In Whispers Between Two Skies Fernau performed on vibraphone with only one other instrument involved; his part concluded both piece and program: “Mine was the last instrument to play at end of piece so pressure…was intense,” he said noting further intensity since composer attended rehearsals offering suggestions—there were no recordings available since they were premiering this new work.
Hiser called working with a rising composer memorable: “The chance to work with a talented rising composer and bring his story to life through music is something I won’t forget.” Garcia also reflected positively: “It was a great opportunity to reflect and grow in my instrumental abilities…Being surrounded by such talented musicians reminded me how important music is…It was blessing meet new people represent CSC.”
