Homecoming Band Concert

By: Josh Werre

The homecoming band concert is an annual tradition that Jonathan Neiderhiser, University of Sioux Fall’s Director of Instrumental Music, didn’t think was going to happen this fall. With homecoming’s early arrival, having a concert ready in time seemed unlikely.

“I thought we weren’t going to do it this year because it was early,” Neiderhiser says. “[T]he Development Office called and said, ‘Are you doing your outdoor concert’… and I said, ‘Well, sure. We’ll see what we can put together.’”

The concert landed on Sept. 23, meaning that students had exactly one month to prepare their music. The program featured the Chamber Orchestra as well as the Pop, Blues, and Jazz Ensemble. Pieces included “Waves of the Danube”, “The Ash Grove”, and, Neiderhiser’s personal favorite, “The Jives Samaba.”

Initially, the instrumentalists were going to take advantage of the mild September weather and play outside on the Science Center patio, but untimely rain meant the concert had to be moved to Big-Z. Despite the setback, the concert was a success. “I’m really excited,” says Neiderhiser. “I think it went off really well, and the students really put in a lot of work. I think it was a pretty great start.”

The Chamber Orchestra and the Pop, Blues, and Jazz Ensemble made their return for their fall concert, Transformations, on Oct. 23 in the Meredith Auditorium at the Jeschke Fine Arts Center.