For the first time in its century-long history, the permanent leader of the Wartburg College band program will be an alumnus of the department. Duane Bierman, who currently serves as the director of bands at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, will begin his duties June 1.
“It’s a great honor to go back to your alma mater and take over a position like this,” Bierman said. “I considered applying when Dr. (Craig) Hancock retired, but it just wasn’t the right time. When I saw the position open again, I felt called to consider it. I’m excited to return to a place where I already know the community and culture. It’s easy for me to love this program and to love Wartburg College.”
At UNK, Bierman conducts the Wind Ensemble; assists with the marching band; directs the drumline; and teaches percussion studio, conducting, ensemble techniques and other music courses. He will lead the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band as well as teach courses in the Department of Music at Wartburg.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Duane Bierman home to Wartburg College. As an alumnus, he is familiar with Wartburg’s legacy of educational and musical excellence,” said Debora Johnson-Ross, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “With his extensive higher education experience as a band director and scholar serving the field and serving his community, Dr. Bierman has the capacity to elevate the Wartburg and Midwest music communities. We expect that he will add to the consistency and renewed spirit of the music program.”
Bierman describes himself as a traditional but forward-looking conductor who strives to create a collaborative music space for his students.
“I have fun when I am making great music. It’s not just about the performance. We spend more time in rehearsal by far than on the stage playing in front of people, so I want my band room to be a place where people feel seen through my programming,” Bierman said.
This also means representation in the music selection. At UNK, the majority of Bierman’s band is female. He also teaches a large number of Hispanic students. Recent concerts have included music by Cait Nishimura, Katahj Copley, Jennifer Jolley and Nubia Jaime Donjuan. But no matter who is composing or arranging a piece, Bierman has one requirement for each concert he programs.
“I love pieces of music that make the hair on your arms stand up, and you can do that with beautiful, lyrical pieces or with an exciting dance-type number. Every concert I have programmed in the last 16 years, I always try to find pieces that make that happen,” he said. “I want to be sure that my student performers and everyone in the audience can find at least one piece that they like, even if they aren’t a fan of the style of music. Sometimes that means the concerts are a big potpourri of music, but it works.”
Bierman earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in instrumental conducting from North Dakota State University and a Master of Music in music theory and composition from the University of Northern Colorado. He regularly serves as a guest conductor and clinician. As a percussionist, he has performed with a number of wind bands, orchestras and jazz ensembles throughout the Midwest and internationally.
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