High Plains Band and Choir Festival convenes
CHADRON – The 49th annual High Plains Band and Choir festival will convene at Chadron State College Monday. About 70 students from 23 high schools in Nebraska, Wyoming, and South Dakota will attend. Due to COVID-19, the event will not feature a guest conductor this year. Senior students who plan to attend CSC this fall have the opportunity to audition for music scholarships at the festival.
Following rehearsals Monday and Tuesday, the final concert will be in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium Tuesday at 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face masks, socially distance, and temperatures will be scanned at the door.
Event coordinator Bobby Pace, CSC accompanist, said even though the college was not able to invite all students who qualified because of COVID-19 precautions, it is still an honor for all those selected based on successful auditions.
“A lot of them come from small schools and this is a great opportunity to be in a large ensemble with other students who enjoy music and are as skilled at music as they are,” Pace said. “I think it's really great they get to come see the college and perform at a higher level.”
In addition to offering clinics for the students, the CSC music faculty will have conversations with the high school music directors.
Dr. Joel Schreuder will lead the chamber choir, Dr. Mckay Tebbs will lead the guitar ensemble, Dr. Rick Puzzo will lead the percussion ensemble, Dr. Michael Stephens will lead the woodwind ensemble, and Dr. John Wojcik will lead the brass ensemble.
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Category: Campus News, Music