All photographs by Lisa Krause

A native of West Terre Haute, Indiana, Jack Nesser is an award-winning, LGBTQIA+ instrumentalist, composer, educator, conductor, and creative. During his time in high school, he became a nationally recognized composer, winning composition contests through Heidelberg University and Appalachian State University. Jack has been a featured composer, and in some events a featured conductor, with the West Vigo High School Concert Band & Choirs, Terre Haute South Vigo High School Bands, Terre Haute Children’s Choir, Indiana State University Concert Band and Wind Orchestra, Mt. Vernon High School Wind Ensemble, Terre Haute Community Band, and the Vincennes University Concert Band. He has been commissioned by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra League, Ivory Winds, and the OTR Saxophone Quartet to write new works for chamber ensembles. Jack's music explores topics of identity, nature, and raw human emotion, sharing stories of his own and others. His music influences, inspires, and advocates in hopes of creating a much needed change in the world. As a multi-instrumentalist, Jack was selected to be a member of the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Indiana Bandmasters Association All-State Honors Ensemble, earning positions in the ensemble on bass clarinet, flute, and piccolo. 

Jack is attending Butler University* studying music composition with an emphasis in piccolo performance. At Butler, Jack is a member of the Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir, Ripple Flute Quartet, and actively collaborates with numerous artists on campus. His previous and current instructors include Cait Nishimura & Dr. Michael Schelle* for composition, and Dr. Angela Reynolds & Rebecca Arrensen* for flute/piccolo. Outside of music, I am passionate about sustainability, jewelry making, and coffee. If I am not practicing or composing, you can catch me thrifting, making earrings, being in nature, reading, or volunteering at a humane shelter. 

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