In the IVCC Jazz Ensemble, Sarah Beier plays her grandfather’s trumpet.
How did you first come to play your grandfather’s trumpet?
I was looking to upgrade my trumpet shortly after I started high school, but I didn’t know what kind I wanted to get. My grandpa came forward with his trumpet, which he played in high school, that he was looking to get rid of.
Could you share a little about your grandfather’s connection to the instrument and what it means to you to carry that on?
My grandfather’s connection to the horn is that he played it when he was in high school. When I took his horn, it needed a really good cleanup because it had been left sitting in its case for about 50 years. I had to take it in to get it cleaned, but Mr. Brandon Czubachowski was able to bring it back to life!
How long have you been involved in the Jazz Ensemble at IVCC?
I have been involved in the IVCC Jazz Ensemble for 2 years.
How did the opportunity to feature it in the Jazz Ensemble come about?
I had just graduated from high school in the Spring of 2023 and was looking to still be involved in music. Brandon Czubachowski was my band director at Hall High School and had told me that he was also the Jazz Ensemble director at IVCC. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not at first, but I signed up for it, and after a few rehearsals, I fell in love with it!
What do you hope the audience takes away from the performances?
I hope the audience takes away the different melodies, harmonies, and songs after each concert. Having the audience take something away from each concert will make it memorable for both the ensemble and them.
What was your favorite part of the performances so far?
My favorite performances so far would have to be any of the Christmas concerts in December or when we have had guest artists. In the Spring of 2024, we featured Dr. Andy Rummel from ISU on the Tuba, and in the Spring of 2025, we featured Dr. Stephen Hawk on Trumpet.
How does it feel to perform with your grandfather’s trumpet?
It feels great! I am lucky to have this horn and that it was able to be fixed so that it can play again. Whenever my grandfather comes to concerts, he always says to me, “I can’t believe that my trumpet has a new life in it again, and I’m so glad to see it being played.”
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about the ensemble?
The IVCC Jazz Ensemble is under the direction of Brandon Czubachowski. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday nights during the Fall and Spring semesters with 2 concerts each semester. The ensemble varies in players, such as college and high school students, along with many community members. The first concert of the year for the Jazz Ensemble is Tuesday, September 30th, at the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Center, with a Winter/Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 2nd. Join us for 2 great concerts this Fall and more to come in the Spring!