Little Creek Nature Area
May 10, 2025
We had the most glorious day possible on May 10 in Missouri for EcoTones Concerts @ Little Creek Nature Area. Thanks to a coming-together of fabulous musicians, naturalists, and volunteers, we had a joyful and connective morning experiencing the preserve's various ecotone environments through live music!
Highlights included an acoustically dreamy setting for the sounds of alphorns wafting across Discovery Pond, getting to perform my composition "Swiftly" (inspired by chimney swift birds) directly across from the prairie's swift tower, and performing new large ensemble works by fellow EcoTones Ensemble musicians Bob Deboo, Daniel Campbell, and Thomas Jostlein.
We couldn't have done it without the fabulous staff of Little Creek, our wonderful event partner St. Louis Audubon's Bring Conservation Home, additional sponsors: the Missouri Prairie Foundation, Jackson Pianos, Knilling Strings, Top Notch Violins, a program support grant from the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, many wonderful volunteers and naturalists, and of course the STELLAR musicians of the St. Louis EcoTones Ensemble. Thanks to everyone for celebrating this treasure of a local nature space, Little Creek Nature Area, through live creative music.
And special thanks to Don Bauer for all the beautiful pictures seen below!
Wood & Wind Stage
-
Ann Choomack, flute
Bjorn Ranheim, cello
Alphorn Lookout
-
Thomas Jöstlein, alphorn
Tricia Jöstlein, alphorn
Tod Bowermaster, alphorn
Full Ensemble
Chamber Orchestra Concert
-
Grow to the Sun by Jody Redhage Ferber, arr. Alan Ferber
Root Loops by Bob Deboo, arr. Alan Ferber
River of Ugly Fishes by Chris Cheek, arr. Alan Ferber
Peace of the Wild Things, by Jody Redhage Ferber, arr. Alan Ferber
Certainty by Bob Deboo, arr. Alan Ferber
Eco-Alpline Eclipse by Thomas Jöstlein
Dance of the Dragonfly by Daniel Campbell, arr. Arnie Co
Wildwood by Alan Ferber
-
Adam Maness piano
Alan Ferber trombone
Ann Choomack flute
Aska Kaneko violin
Bjorn Ranheim cello
Bob Deboo bass & composition
Danny Campbell trumpet
Jody Redhage-Ferber cello & composition
Kaleb Kirby drums
Kwanae Johnson saxophone
Thomas Jöstlein alphorn, french horn
Tod Bowermaster alphorn, french horn
Tricia Jöstlein alphorn, french horn
Vince Varvel (guitar)
Pollinator Jazz Jam
Jazz inspired by Little Creek Nature Area’s native plant meadow & pollinators
-
Kwanae Johnson, alto saxophone
Danny Campbell, trumpet
Alan Ferber, trombone
Bob Deboo, bass
Kaleb Kirby, drums
Adam Maness, melodica
Beings of Air
Original compositions by Jody Redhage Ferber inspired by the flying residents of the preserve
-
Aska Maret Kaneko, violin
Jody Redhage Ferber, cello
Vince Varvel, guitar
Our lovely volunteers
St. Louis Audobon's Bring Conservation Home
Jackson Pianos
Missouri Prairie Foundation
"Getting to hear these musicians in the outdoors was awesome. I appreciated hearing the new musical compositions, especially inspired by the natural environment." -Audience member
"The horns by the lake were beautiful. I didn't realize you could play an actual song. I guess I thought they only had one tone."
"(The most memorable part of this event was) The frogs on the boardwalk- being able to create nature sounds with a hand carved instrument- sharing all of this with my two young boys. Hard to choose one part- being outdoors for an event like this, the interactive elements, the friendly musicians and staff, overall amazing event."
"beautiful, eye and ear-opening, ecotonic"
"unique, fun, relaxing"
"sublime, inspiring, joyful"
"Making memories in a beautiful place with the family"
"Hearing the various music resonating through the woods."
"Enjoying incredible musicians with a serene nature setting."
"The music on the trail blending with nature."
"The music was just wonderful. And the whole day was great."
