Concert Band among seven small college ensembles recognized at national conference

Luther College is thrilled to announce that its Concert Band is one of seven small college ensembles selected for the small band program showcase on Saturday, March 29, at the national conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Luther College Concert Band was formed in 1878, laying the foundation for the college’s long-standing tradition of musical excellence.

Directed by associate professor of music Cory Near, Concert Band’s recording of “Bright Shadow Fanfare,” composed by Nicole Piunno, was selected out of hundreds of applicants through a blind, peer-reviewed process.

“When choosing repertoire, I try to find pieces that will resonate with the students,” Near said. “I felt this piece was a perfect opportunity to remind students to allow grace, both to others and ourselves.”

While the band will not perform at the national conference, Near will give a presentation and the attendees will hear the band’s recording of “Bright Shadow Fanfare” captured during a live performance on Nov. 24, 2024, in the Center for Faith and Life.

“Luther students do outstanding work and I can’t wait to share their talents with conference attendees,” Near said.

CBDNA National Conference organizers recently added a small band program showcase as “a great way to recognize the great music being created in our profession that might otherwise go unnoticed,” according to the event organizers. Other small college band ensembles selected for this year’s showcase included Dordt University, located in Sioux Center, Iowa; Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio.

While Near has attended the conference several times as a graduate student, this is his first time attending the event as a collegiate band director.

“The opportunity to represent Luther College is a truly special moment for me,” Near said.

The Concert Band will perform “Bright Shadow Fanfare” during its upcoming international tour to Japan on May 28-June 9.

Local audiences will have the opportunity to hear “Bright Shadow Fanfare” during a concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

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