Concordia Nebraska hosts second annual Piano Day
The second annual Piano Day event on October 12 brought 26 students from across Nebraska to Concordia University, Nebraska’s campus. The event allowed high school pianists to experience Concordia’s music department and learn more about their instrument.
“Piano Day has quickly built a reputation for being an excellent experience for high school aged pianists,” said Dr. Kurt von Kampen, music department chair. “There is great benefit in learning from outstanding university level piano faculty and from seeing their own peers being successful. It is also clear from discussions with students and their parents that many of these students are seriously considering studying music at Concordia one day.”
The day included instructional sessions, masterclasses, a participant recital and a clinician recital. This year’s sessions were “Strategies to Overcome Performance Anxiety” and “Making the Piano Sing.”
Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo, professor of music, and Calvin Rohde, adjunct professor of music, were the clinicians for the day. They led the masterclasses, instructional sessions and performed in the clinician recital.
“There is great benefit in learning from outstanding university-level piano faculty and from seeing their own peers being successful. It is also clear from discussions with students and their parents that many of these students are seriously considering studying music at Concordia one day.”
Concordia Nebraska students who are studying music or members of one of Concordia’s choirs were paired with the Piano Day students for a portion of the day. They attended choir rehearsal and ate lunch together.
“I wanted the high school students to spend time with our college students – to see that they are kind, helpful, encouraging, gracious and happy.” said Grimpo. “We’d love to have these Piano Day students choose Concordia for their college.”
The day elicited positive responses from the students and their parents. The students were attentive and eager to learn and loved the chance to play on the department’s Steinway pianos. They also enjoyed the opportunity to meet other pianists.
Several parents commented on the beauty of Concordia’s music facilities, and one mentioned that they had no idea Concordia Nebraska had such a strong music program.
“It’s encouraging to see so many high school students take music and piano seriously,” said Grimpo. “They all have different strengths and abilities, but they all prioritize it and love it – like I do.”
The music department at Concordia University, Nebraska provides students with a top-tier, Christ-centered education that prepares them to serve the church and world with their music. Learn more about Concordia’s musical ensembles and lesson opportunities here.