O'Neill Students Travel Two Honor Bands

The O’Neill Band travelled to two honor bands last weekend.

On Saturday, 13 members rehearsed and performed in the Pierce Honor Bands. Sixth graders Reece Grosch and Caleb Laursen were in the 6/7 Band under the direction of Erin Rathe, director of bands in Ainsworth. In the 8/9 Band were: Alyssa Fehringer, James Krotter, Ashley Pischel, Caity Ruzicka, Tate Stauffer, Kyler Dean, Aurora Heiss, William Grosch, Tucker Stagemeyer, Carter Hickey, and Brady Brown. Karter Otte made it in but was ill Saturday. They were under the direction of Gwen Wenish - band director in Yankton, SD.

"It was fun atmosphere," trumpet player Kyler Dean said. "The director and songs were really enjoyable.” 

In addition to Pierce, eight members traveled to Grand Island to participate in the 15th Annual Nebraska Class B Honor Band. Those members included Michael Poese, Alyssa Moser, Madalynn Holbein, Chris Laursen, Christopher Jennings, Kolby Dean, Sean Gildersleeve, and Heydon Strope. Under the direction of Dr. Michelle Bluford, director of bands at Elkhorn South, the band played the world premiere performance of the piece “Rogue Wave.” This piece was commissioned by Nolan Schmit for the 15th anniversary of this honor band. Nolan Schmit is a music teacher in Lincoln and is voice of the Cornhusker Marching Band.

“What a great honor for these kids to work with someone special like Dr. Bluford and to get to perform a world premiere at the same time," O'Neill band director Chad Dean. "This tune will be forever linked to the Nebraska Class B Honor Band and these kids who were 1st to perform it.”