John T. Cord, Luther College associate professor of trumpet, presents album “Beyond Borders”

John T. Cord, associate professor of trumpet, released an impressive, collaborative, album titled "Beyond Borders." This work represents Cord's dedication to the diversity and versatility of music representing 300 years of music history.

            "I have always pursued the idea of being a versatile performer and I hope this record represents that endeavor," says Cord.

            Each selection found on this album is delivered by a different assembly of outstanding musicians. More than 20 instrumentalists and vocalists contributed to this album including Luther College faculty members and talented students.

            "My love for a wide range of musical styles might be matched only be the joy I feel in collaborating with great musicians," says Cord. "Creating this album was a wonderful experience and I am so grateful to everyone that helped to make it happen."

The album has received critical acclaim and has been reviewed by the International Trumpet Guild Journal and The Instrumentalist Magazine. It was also selected for consideration on the 2019 Grammy Award Entry List.

"An impressive collaboration spanning a wide variety of musical talent style and artistry," writes the International Trumpet Guild Journal. "Beyond Borders provides a professional and refreshing collection of music performed masterfully by John Cord and friends."

"Beyond Borders" was released on the Mark Records Label in Nov. 2018 and is available on iTunes, Amazon, NAXOS Digital Library and the Luther College Bookshop.

Cord holds trumpet performance degrees from the University of Iowa, the Yale University School of Music and the University of North Texas. His impressive performance career includes appearances with dozens of professional symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, and jazz and commercial ensembles throughout the country. Cord's career also includes commercial endeavors having toured with Broadway companies on shows including Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof and The Music Man.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and more than 800 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 275 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance.