What better way to end a Tuesday than with a spectacular musical performance? The Luther College Symphonic Band wowed the crowd with a concert, entitled “Reunions” on Tuesday, April 11 in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL). The ensemble was led by Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands Cory Near.

“Play!” by Carl Holmquist opened the concert, an energetic piece that immediately captured the audience’s attention. The piece was originally intended as the final movement of a four-movement symphony. The Symphonic Band then performed Giovanni Santos’ “Reunion”. Near wanted this piece to be a tribute to those who suffered from the pandemic and believed the song symbolized hope for the future. 

The band collaborated with other Luther musicians on two songs during their performance. On “Grandmother Song” by Brent Michael Davids, the band was joined on stage by choir students from the Aurora and Norskkor ensembles. Later in the show, vocalist Jami Dietz (‘23) joined the band for “Angels in the Architecture” by Frank Ticheli. The band also performed “Old Churches” by Michael Colgrass, “Second Suite in F” by Gustav Holst“, and “Pas Redouble” by Camille Saint-Saens. In total, the concert lasted about an hour and a half. 

Percussionist Izzy Clark (‘23) has been a member of Luther College’s Symphonic Band for the past 4 years. Her performance in the concert represents the culmination of her career as a percussionist. 

“I have been a part of the Symphonic Band for all of my time at Luther College,” Clark said. “I have been a part of band ensembles since elementary school, and this performance could be the last time that I play in an ensemble. To me, I felt a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.” 

Another percussionist, Ethan Hagen (‘26), has been a part of the band since the fall of 2022 when he first enrolled at Luther. Hagen was very passionate about expressing the band’s efforts for the performance. 

“I’m so proud of what we accomplished tonight,” Hagen said. “It’s a great feeling to be a part of something like this, and I’m already looking forward to the next concert.”