High Plains draws 160 students to campus
CHADRON – More than 160 students from 29 Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming high schools will travel to Chadron State College Monday and Tuesday for the 48th annual High Plains Band and Choir Festival.
The honor band, honor choir, and guitar ensemble will rehearse both days and perform a final concert in the Memorial Hall’s Auditorium, Tuesday, at 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Festival guest artist Amy Likar will give a flute recital with accompaniment by Bobby Pace, Monday at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium. Likar is a licensed Andover Educator and Alexander Technique teacher who has taught nationally and internationally.
Dr. Richard Sparks, a conductor, workshop leader, and clinician, will be the Honor Choir Guest Conductor. Sparks was Professor of Music and Chair of the Division of Conducting and Ensembles at the University of North Texas for 10 years. Many of his performances can be found on YouTube, including a Vivaldi Gloria which amassed over 2 million views. He also conducted the Seattle Symphony Chorale for four years, preparing them for a Grammy-nominated recording of Hanson’s Lament of Beowulf.
Sparks, who has a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, has a distinguished choral conducting career in all levels.
Dr. Mckay Tebbs will lead the Guitar Ensemble at this year's festival. Dr. Tebbs has been a music professor at CSC for five years.
Dr. John Wojcik, Director of Bands and Instructor of Brass at Chadron State College, will act as the Honor Band Conductor. Wojcik also conducts the CSC Wind Symphony, Campus-Community Symphonic Band, co-directs the Eagle Pep Band, instructs the applied brass studio and teaches courses in music education at Chadron State.
—Olivia Bryant, College Relations
Category: Campus News, Music