 Rob Tierney directs the 11-member wind ensemble in "My hope is built on nothing less" during the Homecoming worship service Sunday, September 24. |
October 11, 2006
Rob Tierney, director of the new instrumental music program at Hesston College, exudes excitement as he talks about the start of the program this fall and what he envisions in the future.
Tierney, director of bands at Hesston Public Schools for two years, was approached last year by Jake Rittenhouse, chair of the music department, about starting an instrumental music program on a part-time basis. "It sounded like a big challenge, but I couldn't turn it down," he said. "I've always trusted in the Lord. Sometimes you need to jump out in faith."
That's because an instrumental music program takes time and money for instruments, music, and so on. "The people here at the college have been wonderful and supportive," Tierney said. "Positive things will grow out of this beginning."
And the nine students from the college and two from the high school are excited, especially as the focus turns to getting the group ready as the "Screaming Larks" pep band to play at all the home men's and women's basketball games. "I'm looking forward to a real big plus the band will provide for atmosphere at the games. It's gonna be fun."
For not doing any recruiting, Tierney said, "we're blessed with good instruments and balance. I was worried that we'd have all flutes or all trumpets. Our instrumental group is small, but balanced, and it works."
At present, students are playing two flutes, an alto saxophone, and a clarinet for woodwinds. Brass includes three trumpets, a french horn, and a baritone. One percussion player is also among the college students.
Tierney added a high school student at baritone, since he didn't have any lower instruments. And he added a high school percussionist, since he explained that it's much easier to cover multiple drum parts with two percussion players.
Getting instruments, especially percussion, has been a challenge. But, Tierney said, "We have a marimba, a gorgeous instrument on loan from Kristen Mayhue of Newton. She wants it to be played and we're thrilled to have it."
In addition, a donor offered to purchase a basic set-up of concert percussion equipment. "For an instrumental music program, you need percussion," Tierney explained. "This program couldn't exist without a donor like this. You can't expect students to provide all the instruments, especially the high-dollar items."
The group practices in a classroom at Hesston Mennonite Church. "The room has a low ceiling and is a dead space, so we can hear each other," he said. "None of the rooms in Northlawn work right now. They would need acoustical treatment."
Tierney said the students are excited about the program. "Every student wants to be there and see it succeed."
In the future, he would like to see a jazz band formed, one of his passions. "You can do a lot of different things," he said. "There's no reason it can't work."
He would also like to expand the present wind ensemble. "With the current size, we're limited in what we can play."
Tierney would like to see at least 30 students in the instrumental music program next year. So right now he's focusing on recruitment.
He also envisions doing some tours in the future. "It would be a vehicle for Hesston College to be out there and seen," he said. "But it will take some time to develop the quality needed."
Tierney is pleased with how things have gone so far. "I'm glad to be here. I enjoy playing and talking with older students. And the students here at Hesston College are great."
The wind ensemble will perform as part of the Bel Canto Singers and Chorale concert at 2:30 p.m., Friday, November 24, as part of the Thanksgiving Weekend activities at the college.
Tierney is a graduate of the State University of New York at Potsdam with a major in music education. He holds a master of music degree in trombone performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass.
Music Department