Concordia University, Nebraska - Department of Music

09/03/2026

🎶 Organ Rededication Recital 🎶

Join us for a special Organ Rededication Recital performed by Dr. Jeffrey Blersch!

Recital Hall, Borland Center
Sunday, September 20
3:00 PM

Come celebrate the renewal and dedication of this remarkable instrument through an afternoon of inspiring music and artistry. We hope you’ll join us for this special occasion! 🎼✨

09/01/2026

🎶 Honor Band & Choir Day is coming up! 🎶
Do you have a passion for music and want the opportunity to perform alongside talented musicians from across the area? Now’s your chance to audition! 🌟

Honor Band Day: November 5
Honor Choir Day: November 6
Auditions are due: September 15

Don’t miss your chance to be part of an incredible day of music, learning, and performance! Start preparing your audition and get those submissions in by September 15. 🎵

09/01/2026

🎶 Meet Emily Christman! 🎶

Emily is a Church Music major from Fort Myers, Florida, and after being homeschooled her whole life, she’s excited to begin this new chapter at Concordia!

Emily chose Concordia because of its strong Church Music program and the encouraging environment within the music department. Even after only being here for about a week, she has already experienced how kind and supportive the professors are and how uplifting the entire music department is. 💙

When she’s not making music, you might find Emily listening to Duruflé’s Prélude, adagio, et choral varié sur le “Veni Creator” on repeat! 🎹

This year, Emily is especially excited to grow as an organist, learn new repertoire, and dive deeper into music theory; including learning the ins and outs of music notation and getting to work with Dorico. 🎼💻

We’re so excited to have Emily here and can’t wait to see how God works through her gifts and music during her time at Concordia! 💙🎶

08/28/2026

Welcome back, Bulldogs! 🎶❤️ Here's to a new year filled with music, creativity, growth, and unforgettable performances. Wishing all the students, faculty, and staff at the Concordia University, Nebraska Music Department an incredible semester. We can't wait to see all you'll accomplish! Let the music begin! 🎼✨

07/28/2026

Registration is open! Pianists in grades 8-12, we hope you can join us on Monday, October 12 for our second annual Piano Day.

Join us for Piano Day! An exciting opportunity for high school pianists! The days events will include masterclasses, instructional sessions and a recital by Concordia Nebraska musicians. Open to

05/06/2026

From practices to recitals to tours, this year has proven that great music requires dedication. Thank you to our students and staff who put in the effort and made this a great year!

05/01/2026

On Wednesday, the Concordia Brass Quintet (CBQ) held a special rehearsal with composer Elena Ruehr. Elena was on the faculty of MIT from 1992 until 2025, and is currently completing a three-year residency with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. She has written five operas, twelve string quartets, and numerous other chamber, film and dance works that have been recorded on over 20 CDs and performed internationally, and importantly for the CBQ, one brass quintet; Five Dance Overtures. "Ruehr's Five Dance Overtures is a delightful collection of short movements that really embodies her idea that 'that the surface be simple, the structure complex,'" says CBQ faculty coach, Dr. Kevin Madden. "The work is definitely out of our normal comfort zone, and preparing it has been a fulfilling challenge." During the rehearsal, Ruehr offered advice and guidance on the interpretation of the work, as well as entertaining anecdotes about the work's inspiration. "It's always great when you have the opportunity to play a piece for its composer; they can offer insights beyond what is printed on the page," says Dr. Madden. "I just love hearing my music played," says Ruehr. "These students sound great and I wish them luck on their performance!" The CBQ performed Five Dance Overtures on the Concordia Brass Ensembles concert in the Borland Center Recital Hall on April 29.

05/01/2026

What a great opportunity for our Brass Quintet!

On Wednesday, the Concordia Brass Quintet (CBQ) held a special rehearsal with composer Elena Ruehr. Elena was on the faculty of MIT from 1992 until 2025, and is currently completing a three-year residency with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. She has written five operas, twelve string quartets, and numerous other chamber, film and dance works that have been recorded on over 20 CDs and performed internationally, and importantly for the CBQ, one brass quintet; Five Dance Overtures. "Ruehr's Five Dance Overtures is a delightful collection of short movements that really embodies her idea that 'that the surface be simple, the structure complex,'" says CBQ faculty coach, Dr. Kevin Madden. "The work is definitely out of our normal comfort zone, and preparing it has been a fulfilling challenge." During the rehearsal, Ruehr offered advice and guidance on the interpretation of the work, as well as entertaining anecdotes about the work's inspiration. "It's always great when you have the opportunity to play a piece for its composer; they can offer insights beyond what is printed on the page," says Dr. Madden. "I just love hearing my music played," says Ruehr. "These students sound great and I wish them luck on their performance!" The CBQ performed Five Dance Overtures on the Concordia Brass Ensembles concert in the Borland Center Recital Hall on April 29.

04/25/2026

Tonight’s Honor Recital. These students performed with professionalism and artistry. We are proud of them and of all our student musicians.

04/23/2026

Join us at 7:00 tonight at St. John for this wonderful recital!

Held once each semester, Concordia Nebraska’s Honor Recital is a chance for the university’s Department of Music to celebrate outstanding students and the work that they put into the study of music.