Concordia University, Nebraska - University Wind Symphony

05/13/2026

Congratulations, again, to Richard Fischer!

Concordia University, Nebraska recognized five individuals with awards and honorary degrees at its commencement honors dinner on May 8. The degrees and awards celebrate the contributions and service

05/10/2026

Concordia was pleased to honor Dr. Richard Fischer with the conferral of our Doctor of Letters degree at yesterday’s commencement! The Wind Symphony was blessed to have him conduct pre-service music! Doc’s legacy will continue throughout the church and wind band world, and we are honored to be a part of it!

05/05/2026

Tim has been an unspeakable blessing to our ensemble!

Meet Timothy Mars, a senior at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), studying to be a director of parish music.

“Who influenced me to be a church worker? Definitely my dad, as he is a pastor. I’m a lifelong LCMS Lutheran, and my dad taught me the importance of being a Christian, going to church and spreading the Good News to anyone I can.”

Timothy said his call into church music was emphasized at a camp service: “I was inspired to go into church music when I heard a phenomenal organist, Kantor Steven Hoffman, playing at a camp. When listening to him, I remember thinking for the first time: ‘I want to do that.’”

Growing up in a small town with a pastor‑dad, a strong musical home and a nearby piano teacher, church and music quickly became “two of the biggest priorities” in his life. As he watched his older brother study church music at CUNE, Timothy could see the path in front of him and knew this was where he wanted to be.

Now, through choir, organ, piano and other ensembles, Timothy is preparing to serve as a director of parish music—helping God’s people sing their faith week after week.

Join us in praying for Timothy and all those preparing to serve Him. Leave a comment below to share a word of encouragement for future church workers.

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.

04/30/2026

Busy night for instrumental music at CUNE! Low brass ensemble, tuba quintet, horn choir, brass quintet, jazz, the works!

04/29/2026

We look forward to having Zeke as a student here at Concordia University, Nebraska - Department of Music!

Senior Spotlight: Zeke Laesch 🎓

Zeke Laesch will attend Concordia University of Nebraska this fall, where he will study Music Education. He has earned a music scholarship and will perform in Concordia’s Wind Symphony and choir. He plays the French horn and is excited to continue sharing his love for music at the next level.

What will he miss most about Lutheran North? “All the friendships I’ve made over the past four years, and the teachers too.”

His favorite teacher is Mrs. Roth. “She is a great teacher. She makes math easy to understand and is so supportive and fun.”

One of Zeke’s favorite memories is his time on the cross-country team. “The events, having fun with teammates, the rides there and back—great times!”

Achieve. Believe. Belong.
To Zeke, that means learning and growing in knowledge, knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and living out his faith in his community, here or away at school. “Lutheran North has given me what I need to succeed beyond high school.”

His advice to incoming freshmen: “Don’t procrastinate. Get your work done on time.”

We can’t wait to see how Zeke continues to use his gifts in music and faith in the future.
Once a Crusader, Always a Crusader.

04/19/2026

See you in an hour?

04/18/2026

Concert day tomorrow! Tag a friend you think should come!

The Concordia University, Nebraska University Orchestra will present its spring concert on Saturday, April 18, and the University Wind Symphony will perform its spring concert the following day on

04/12/2026

Yesterday we traveled to Zion Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri. We were able to aid in worship for three church services on Saturday night and Sunday morning. We were also excited to invite five high school students, Sarah Eatherton, Zeke Laesch, Isaac Gibbs, Tevin Spratt and Lucy Wildman to join us in the concert to perform David Holsinger’s “Fantasy on a Gaelic Hymntune.” We are extremely grateful to all those who welcomed us into their sanctuary and into their homes. What a wonderful way to end our 2026 tour.