Fernau selected percussion section leader at intercollegiate performance

CHADRON — Three Chadron State College students participated in the Nebraska Intercollegiate Band, part of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association conference March 5-7 in Lincoln.

Josh Fernau of Chadron served as a percussion section leader, Sebastian Garcia of Rapid City, South Dakota, performed on trumpet, and Carson Hiser of Douglas, Wyoming, performed on alto saxophone.

The Nebraska Intercollegiate Band is composed of college musicians from across the state, nominated by their institutions’ music departments. CSC Music Professor Dr. Michael Stephens said the final performance began less than 48 hours from the band’s first notes 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, a senior, said he and the other students each practiced the music for weeks before the conference on their home campuses.

“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 was Fernau’s second year participating. As a sophomore, he was one of the youngest members in the percussion section. Other years, he was nominated but had scheduling conflicts.

“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.”

Fernau said serving as section leader was initially intimidating, but he soon realized the role focused more on mentoring younger students than showcasing his technical skills.

“They looked to me for guidance on scheduling, practice routines, and other logistics we needed for the final performance,” he said. “There are some amazing players.”

Two pieces featured Fernau, Deciduous and Whispers Between Two Skies.

“In Deciduous, there is a percussion solo with each of the six percussionists playing crotales, which are small, pitched metal disks, on upside-down snare drums, creating a mesmerizing, rippling effect,” Fernau said. “It was one of the most challenging pieces, but it came together into a beautiful work about love and loss.”

Fernau said learning the composer wrote the piece after losing his father added emotional depth to the performance.

In Whispers Between Two Skies, Fernau performed on vibraphone, one of only two instruments.

“Mine was the last instrument to play at the end of the piece, so the pressure to perform correctly was intense,” Fernau said. “It was further intensified because the composer was there offering suggestions. Since we were the first band to perform the piece, there were no recordings to reference, so we set the standard.”

Hiser said performing the commissioned work was a memorable experience.

“The chance to work with a talented rising composer and bring his story to life through music is something I won’t forget,” Hiser said.

Garcia, who also attended the event for the first time, said the experience was meaningful.

“It was a great opportunity to reflect and grow in my instrumental abilities,” Garcia said. “Being surrounded by such talented musicians reminded me of the importance of music and how it brings people together. The sound of the band was beautifully full and powerful. It was a great blessing to meet new people and represent CSC.”