The Jacob’s School of Music Fall Showcase took place this past Monday, November 18th at the Musical Arts Center.
The event opened with the All-Campus Band, conducted by graduate students Ally Capone, Jacob Kessler, and Nick Hinman. The ensemble performed a dynamic program, including Fillmore’s His Honor (1933), Nishimura’s Winter Milky Way (2012/17), and David’s Urban Light (2021).
The Musical Arts Center was open to the public free of admission and featured Indiana’s Concert band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. The four groups collectively played a repertoire of 12 pieces.
Abby Nitsos, a flutist for 11 years, joined the All-Campus Band her junior year to rekindle her passion for playing after retiring from her instrument in High School. For the past two years, the band has provided Nitsos and other student musicians with a chance to perform at the collegiate level—no audition required.
Since the All Campus Band is open to students of all fields, Nitsos has recruited friends and musicians of all levels to join. At the Musical Arts Center, she and fellow bandmates meet every Monday from 7:15 -8:45 p.m.
–November 18th, 2024– Abby Nitsos, Second Chair Flutist and Indiana Senior speaks on her experience and details of the All-Campus Band.
Nitsos herself was recruited to the band by friend and Marching Hundred Flutist, Sammy Brigham. After playing together in High School, Brigham motivated Nitsos to reconnect with her instrument for a second time.
Subsequently, the two have shared two-semester showcases and two full-term semesters playing together.
“Before band, I felt like I kinda floated between friend groups but once I joined, I felt like I found a pretty solid friend group,” said Brigham. “Band is where all my friends are from.”
While Nitsos only has one concert left at IU, Brigham plans to enroll in All-Campus Band as a senior in 2025. In the meantime, she also plays piccolo for the Big Red Basketball Band. This past semester marked Brigham’s third year as an All-Campus Band, Marching Hundred, and Big Red Basketball Band member.
–November 18th, 2024– Indiana Marching Hundred Member and Indiana Junior, Sammy Brigham, speaks on how both bands have shaped her friendships and time at Indiana.
The All-Campus Band will continue offering this course next semester for students of all disciplines to engage with no barriers to entry. Each semester is led by different graduate students and students get to engage in different compositions distributed on the first day.
All IU undergraduates can register for All-Campus Band by searching MUS-X 1, “All Campus Ensemble” on iGPS. More information for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble auditions can be found on the Jacob’s School of Music website or through the band office at iubands@indiana.edu.
