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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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Band wows crowd with ‘Stellar’ performance

Eagle Staff
Stellar Brass members from left; Tim Blake, 42, of Binghamton, N.Y.; Gary Stephens, 49, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Tim Allums, 39, of Beaumont, Texas; Steve Kindermann, 46, of Dallas; John Gohl, 49, of Moorhead, Minn.; Emanual Jester, 32, of Orlando, Fla., play trash cans during their performance Thursday night at the Chadron Arts Center. — Photo by Chelsie Moreland
Stellar Brass members from left; Tim Blake, 42, of Binghamton, N.Y.; Gary Stephens, 49, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Tim Allums, 39, of Beaumont, Texas; Steve Kindermann, 46, of Dallas; John Gohl, 49, of Moorhead, Minn.; Emanual Jester, 32, of Orlando, Fla., play trash cans during their performance Thursday night at the Chadron Arts Center. — Photo by Chelsie Moreland

“Stellar Brass” of the United States Air Force took the stage in the Chadron Performing Arts Center Thursday for a performance that can only be described by their name.

The band’s repertoire included many styles of music ranging from New Orleans’s style jazz, to contemporary works, to classic rock.  Those who aren’t fans of brass instruments would change their minds after a performance such as this. The band approached their material with such precision that even music majors such as myself were in awe. It left everyone wondering how one could attain the same potential as these amazing musicians.

Senior Master Sgt. Gary D. Stephens said the group aims for at least two hours of practice within the ensemble a day.

When asked what the group suggested for other musicians, Master Sgt. Tim W. Allums said “Most importantly, learn to play well with others. It’s not just about who can play the loudest or best, but accuracy and being humble towards one another. Everyone respects a musician who doesn’t boast about his talent.”

Those in the audience were also amazed at how the band seemed to continue to have fun.

Technical Sgt. Emanuel Jester III said “The playfulness between us is because of our love for the music. The music speaks for itself.”

“Stellar Brass” also critiqued the CSC Music Department Master Class. The Master Class includes Zack Kirchmeyer, Nathan Snyder, Nick Snyder, Collin Lyearger, and Tommy Miller.

“I think their critique of using more air was very helpful,” said Tommy Miller. “I’ve been using their method this past week, and it’s helped my tone production a lot.”

The “Stellar Brass” members listened to a group piece from the Master Class and then solo pieces from Kirchmeyer, Snyder, Lyearger, and Miller, critiquing each one.

“It’s nice to hear outside comments,” said Snyder.

Words are simply not enough to describe how amazing of a performance “Stellar Brass” gave for the people of Chadron. One had to be in attendance to truly experience the amount of talent that was exhorted during this evening of entertainment.

Editors Note: This article was written with contributions by Chelsie Moreland, photographer.