Dr. David Nabb
UNK Department of Music and Performing Arts, 308.865.8606
The One-Handed Woodwinds Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will be officially launched Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Museum of Nebraska Art.
Proceeds from the $25-a-plate light dinner and lecture/recital next Saturday will establish the program, which will make one-handed woodwind instruments available to permanently disabled individuals.
The One-Handed Woodwinds Program is the idea of UNK woodwinds professor Dr. David Nabb, and Jeff Stelling, a UNK music graduate who has Stelling Brass in Kearney. The two designed and built a one-handed saxophone for Dr. Nabb to play after a massive stroke robbed him of the fine motor skills in his left hand.
Once the one-handed sax was successfully developed, Dr. Nabb showcased the instrument at the 2003 World Saxophone Congress. Since that time, he has received more than 15 requests for one-handed instruments. Currently, there are only two, one-handed saxophones–the one the Dr. Nabb plays, and the prototype, which is now being leased to a South Carolina youth who lost his left art in a plane crash.
The Saturday event will begin with a light dinner and social hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. lecture/recital. Dr. Nabb and Stelling will give a presentation on the development of the instrument. Performing in a recital that evening will be Dr. Nabb, alto saxophone; Dr. Nathan Buckner, piano; Franziska Nabb, flute; and Wes Hird, guitar.
Individuals wishing to attend may make reservations by calling the UN Foundation Kearney Office at 308.865.8272.
Those unable to attend, but wishing to support the program, may make checks payable to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Checks need to have “UNK One-Handed Woodwinds Program” noted in the memo line. Checks may be sent to the NU Foundation Kearney Office, P.O. Box 2678, Kearney, NE 68848.
