O'Neill 5th and 6th Grade Musicians Perform at Honor Band

On Saturday, May 2nd, twenty seven O'Neill 5th & 6th graders traveled to Neligh to rehearse and perform in the 7th Annual Neligh-Oakdale Elementary Honor Bands. Around 590 elementary band students participated in the 5th grade band, 6th grade band & percussion ensemble. 

Directing the 5th grade band was Kevin McClouth from NECC. O'Neill performers included: Brenna Colfack, McKenzie Dow, Kylee Howard, Alyssa Fehringer, Lauren Young, Maddy Hilker, Brittany Nelson, Andrew Koehlmoos, Luke Popkes, James Krotter, Ty Rainforth, Kiersten Welke, Kyler Dean, Lance Schmichael, Harley Clausen, Brady Sidak, and Carson Belik.

Chad Barnhill from Midwest Music directed the Percussion Ensemble. Noah Shabram performed in the group.

For the 6th grade band, Dr. Randy Nueharth, retired (former NECC director) conducted the group. Performing were: Kelsey Osborne, Becky Hupp, Jayden Harris, Sara Morrow, William Otte, Elliot Schluns, Grant Tomjack, Christopher Jennings, and Blair Gutshall. 

Coordinator of the event and band director at Neligh-Oakdale Nate Metschke stated, 

"I really believe in giving kids positive musical experiences. Especially in the beginning years of band. Now they know how much fun honor bands can be and they will work harder to make an honor band in the future!" 

Article and photos submitted by Mr. Chad Dean.

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