Adrian Fente '27 Crafts Custom Conducting Podium for Saint Andrew's Performing Arts

For Adrian Fente '27, summer trips to northern Spain are a deeply personal tradition, spent visiting the region of Asturias, where his father grew up. 

During a six-week stay, Adrian channeled his passion for learning into an internship at Ferrao 1830, a local carpentry workshop, under the guidance of his mentor, Aitor Fernández. Having previously designed the Trumpet Genie and hand-built a set of bagpipes alongside his brother, Julian '24, Adrian wanted his next endeavor to be a daily, practical gift to the Saint Andrew's music program, connecting computer numerical modeling, woodworking, and school spirit.

The resulting conducting podium is a striking blend of modern engineering and traditional materials. Adrian crafted the piece out of chestnut wood native to Asturias, a rare material in the United States, where native chestnut trees were largely wiped out. Using design software such as AutoCAD and Baseworks, he programmed industrial machinery, including a BIESSE CNC ROBER B 4.35, to make precision cuts for the podium's frame and detailed lettering, which he then hand-sanded to a smooth finish. The podium features the Saint Andrew's philosophy, "Mind, Body, Spirit," and a subtle inscription on the back dedicated to the former faculty members who inspired and supported him.

"I thought this was a nice place to show the purpose behind why I made the podium," Adrian commented. "I dedicated it to the former faculty who have helped me, and hopefully it can inspire other people to do something similar.”

Getting the heavy piece from Spain to campus proved to be an international journey. Freight shipped from Spain to Paris, crossed the Atlantic to Memphis, where it briefly stalled in customs paperwork, and finally arrived at Saint Andrew's for final assembly.

Emily Nichols, Director of Symphonic and Advanced Bands, who had only seen progress photos over the summer, was stunned when the piece was finally unloaded in the rehearsal room. 

"It was even more beautiful than I could have imagined," Nichols shared, noting that its design adds an elevated presence to the space. 

Sized to accommodate directors of all heights and elevated at least six inches above their previous platform, the podium feels instantly at home. "It feels like it was built for the space, for the ensemble," Nichols stated. "It just feels almost like it was meant to be there this whole time.”

Director of Performing Arts Jason King shared similar praise. 

"Adrian is an outstanding musician and student, and this podium is such a great example of who he is. What I appreciate most is the thought behind it – Adrian wanted to give something back to the band department and to the teachers who have supported him and helped him grow as a musician. We are so grateful for the time, talent, and care he put into this project, and we are very proud of the way Adrian continues to give back to our Performing Arts community."

Through weeks of international craftsmanship and thoughtful design, Adrian's contribution stands as a lasting tribute to the teachers who guided him, making a meaningful impact on Saint Andrew's musicians for years to come.