A Lifetime of Music — Emma Stibich
As part of Northshore Concert Band’s 70th anniversary season, we continue to celebrate this milestone by sharing the voices and stories that have shaped the ensemble over the decades. During our season-opening concert on November 2, 2025, NCB member Emma Stibich (horn) shared her personal Lifetime of Music story.
Emma Stibich and her mother, Laura Stibich, at the Midwest Clinic, 2025.
Hi, my name is Emma Stibich, and I am a member of the French horn section and the Director of Development for the Northshore Concert Band. You will be hearing from different members of the band this season on our stories of why we chose Northshore. My story begins on the day I was born.
I grew up with the band. My mom, Laura, played and still plays in the clarinet section. So Sunday concerts, like this one, were a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was about six or seven years old, sitting outside Pick-Staiger Concert Hall before an NCB concert, and I told my dad that when I grew up, I was going to play in the Northshore Concert Band, just like my mom. I knew that playing in NCB would allow me to play with passionate musicians and also be able to choose whatever career I wanted.
Emma, Janene Kessler, and Peter Gotsch on stage at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall — June 5, 2022.
In middle school, the NCB came to play a concert at my school, and I got my first opportunity to perform with the Band as I was one of the selected students to play two marches. I was beyond excited to just play with the band and the horn section. I was also able to perform again with NCB in high school. This concert will forever be cherished by my family and me. This was the one and only time that I was able to perform with my mom and sister sitting across the stage. Sitting on that stage with NCB a second time gave me a glimpse of my future, and I knew that my childhood dream of NCB needed to happen.
Emma, Laura, and Gretchen Stibich (right to left) backstage at Marian Catholic High School — April 27, 2011.
About 10 years later, with a lot of practice, I was able to sit in that same section and have my first official rehearsal with Mallory and the Northshore Concert Band. This first band rehearsal was different than any other one I had experienced growing up because it felt like coming home. For 11 years, I have had the honor of performing with this band and have experienced so many amazing firsts: new music like you heard earlier on today’s program, my favorite pieces like the one you are about to hear, and amazing guest musicians. I’ve watched firsthand how much this band becomes a family growing up, and I can confirm that these people are truly my friends and, more importantly, my role models and biggest supporters.
For 70 seasons, we have continued to foster musical excellence and inspire the next generation of musicians, like myself. To help us continue that mission, we hope that you can consider donating $70 for our 70th year. Your donation helps us to continue performing high-quality wind music and excite the next members and generations of NCB.