Jessica Vogel plays flute in music festival
Bulletin boards are often so crammed full of posters, flyers, and notes that people don't bother to look at any of it.
But when Jessica Vogel, a flute player with the Marion High School band, took the time to look over the bulletin board in the band room, it led her to a special musical experience.
Vogel was one of 77 wind and percussion instrumentalists selected to participate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Winter Festival for Winds and Percussion, at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
"I saw a poster on the bulletin board in the band room, and I decided to apply," Vogel said.
Vogel recorded an audition CD and filled out a lengthy application, which she submitted to be reviewed along with 137 others by UNL's music faculty.
High school musicians from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin gathered Friday in Lincoln to begin ensemble and symphonic band rehearsals, including a rehearsal with UNL's premiere concert band, the UNL Wind Ensemble.
Vogel was chosen to play with the Cather Flute Quartet, along with Anthony Hopkins, Mid — Buchanan, Mo., Heath White, Linclon, Neb., and Molly Erickson, Papillion-La Vista, Neb.
The quartet was coached by UNL graduate student Leigh Ann Singer, and performed "Quatuorpour Flutes," by Pierre Max DuBois, in concert Saturday evening.
A highlight for students Saturday afternoon was the opportunity to receive instruction from UNL faculty members in master classes.
Dr. John Bailey, Larson professor of flute, past president of the American Flute Association, and a frequent performer and conductor in the U.S. and Europe, conducted the master class session for Vogel.
The festival concluded Sunday with a concert featuring all participants playing in the festival symphonic band, as well as special performances by the honor band and the University Wind Ensemble.
For Vogel, the festival was one of many highlights she's had since picked up the flute at age 10.
"My parents wanted me to be in band, and I chose to play the flute," Vogel said.
"I've played in churches, band, pit orchestras at musicals, and in league, regional, and state honor bands," she continued.
Vogel hopes to continue using her musical talents after she graduates from Marion High School.
Vogel is the daughter of Greg and Dina Vogel of Marion.
