Student conductors lead Concordia Wind Symphony at Honor Band concert 

Student conductor Jacob Wald is directing the Wind Symphony’s first piece, “Psalm 150” by Jack Stamp

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By Ben Frerking

Concordia’s Wind Symphony performed under the direction of student conductors Thursday evening at St. John Lutheran Church during the university’s Honor Band concert. The event featured visiting high school musicians performing under guest conductor Jennifer Porath.

Senior music major and clarinetist Bailey Bianco reflected on performing under student conductors during a period of transition for the Wind Symphony.

Bianco said the student conductors rose to the occasion and gained valuable experience.

“All of our student directors have really stepped up, and I know that it’s a wonderful experience for them too, with music education,” Bianco said.

Bianco also worked directly with the visiting high school musicians, leading sectional rehearsals earlier in the day before joining them for their first full rehearsal. She said their dedication and passion for music stood out to her.

“They all chose to take time outside of school to come here, to make beautiful music, to praise God,” Bianco said.

Porath, a high school band director from Fort Wayne, Indiana, selected music centered around the theme of joy, hoping to encourage the young musicians to share that joy with others.

                                 Jennifer Porath

“The emotion that comes from that music is really profound and inspiring,” Porath said.

Porath said that working with the Honor Band students provided a welcome source of encouragement in the middle of the semester, adding that their performance had an emotional impact on her.

“These kids have an impact on me too, even though I met them this morning,” Porath said.

Senior Robert Wagner, whose fiancée performs with the Wind Symphony, attended the concert and praised the quality of the performances, particularly considering the limited rehearsal time for the visiting high school musicians.

“All the pieces sounded so well rehearsed,” Wagner said.

Wagner said events like Honor Band provide high school musicians with opportunities to perform in larger ensembles, develop their skills, and gain valuable musical experience.