Stephanie Kocher and Friends perform faculty recital

After almost 20 years without a solo recital, adjunct flute instructor Stephanie Kocher will perform with staff collaborative pianist Diane Van Den Oever and the faculty wind quintet.  

Kocher said the theme for her recital is all based on birds, with one butterfly piece thrown in the mix. Some of the earliest flutes were actually made from bird bones, so it’s not uncommon for bird themes to run in flute recitals now, Kocher said. 

“I actually did pick a theme of birds, but then there was one piece I really wanted to do and it was a butterfly, so I thought ‘close enough, it flies,’” Kocher said. 

Van Den Oever said she is contracted to work with students but also chooses to play with faculty. This will be her first time performing with Kocher and her first time exploring flute repertoire with a faculty member. She said she is excited to appreciate the separate instruments during the recital. 

“When we’re playing in a band or orchestra, we’re kind of used to the wall of sound. When you listen to a duo or a trio or a small ensemble, you really hear those individual voices, and it’s interesting and fun in a different sort of way,” Van Den Oever said. 

Previously, Kocher didn’t have time to practice or perform a solo recital because of her work in the Sioux City Symphony and in taking care of her children. However, now she is needed less in the symphony and her children are older. Kocher said she’s had most of these pieces for years, so she’s been practicing them as she has time. 

“It’s been a long time since I’ve done a recital and I just felt like I needed to keep my skills up if I have students doing this work,” Kocher said. 

Kocher and Van Den Oever practiced their pieces separately to learn their parts before coming together. Van Den Oever said they have been practicing at her house and have had about 20 hours of practice together.  

Van Den Oever said she enjoys the music and variety available in her job, but truly enjoys the friendship and support of the department. She said the faculty recitals aren’t required for faculty to put on, so this recital is an opportunity for them to get better. 

“The other goal too, I know, when the music faculty puts together a recital program, a number of them have said ‘well, I like to explore new literature myself because then I can recommend it to my students,’” Van Den Oever said.  

Being in a different space, experiencing something new and finding an appreciation for different types of flute music is what Kocher hopes the audience will gain from attending the recital. Van Den Oever and Kocher both said they hope people will be able to have fun and enjoy a the diverse music provided. 

“I hope that they just have a fun, relaxing experience that makes their week better, and if it inspires somebody to get into flute lessons or rejoin the band, that’s great too,” Van Den Oever said. 

The recital will be at Trinity Lutheran Church Oct. 14 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. It can also be livestreamed at usd.edu/livemusic.