Austin High School band students are preparing to perform music by an Austin native for their upcoming fall concert.

A few weeks after performing for homecoming, students in the AHS wind ensemble have shifted gears and are preparing a performance featuring music by composer and Austin native Daniel Kallman.

According to band director Bradley Mariska, the discussion to feature music by the Austin native began over a year ago.

“I wanted to show our high school students that a career in music is achievable for someone with great talent and perseverance — and that anyone can ‘make it’ in the world of music, even if you grow up in a small town like Austin,” Mariska said in a press release.

Kallman has composed more than 100 compositions for orchestras, bands and choirs over the past several decades. After graduating from AHS, Kallman attended Luther College and studied composition at the University of Minnesota. Kallman has written a wide variety of music for high schools, colleges, and professional ensembles, which are available through his own publishing company, Kallman Creates, as well as music publishers such as Boosey & Hawkes.

Austin audiences will hear one of Kallman’s newest pieces, “Jitterstomp,” which blends the musical styles of urban 1920s jazz with country hoedown. Kallman traveled to Austin several weeks ago to first rehearse the piece with the Austin students.

“It was a lot of fun to be back in the band room, where I myself played trombone back in high school,” Kallman said in the release. “It was also great to work with the AHS students — they are going to offer a great performance of Jitterstomp.”

“Jitterstomp” will be featured along with other selections by the wind ensemble, concert choir, treble choir, and symphony orchestra at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, in Knowlton Auditorium. The public is also invited to attend the AHS fall prep concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, which will feature the concert band, prep orchestra, concert orchestra, and mixed choir.

Tickets for both concerts will be available at the door. For more information, email: Bradley.mariska@austin.k12.mn.us.