50th High Plains Festival honors regional students
CHADRON – More than 140 students from 26 high schools in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, attended the 50th annual High Plains Honor Band and Choir Festival Feb. 7-8 at Chadron State College.
Students performed in the High Plains Honor Band, directed by Guest Conductor Dr. William K. Wakefield, and the High Plains Honor Choir directed by Professor of Music Dr. Joel Schreuder.
Participants also had the opportunity to attend guest artist Carol Perry’s vocal recital, No Boys Aloud, Feb. 7.
“The festival went extremely well, and the feedback from directors, parents and students was all positive,” said Bobby Pace, event organizer and accompanist.
The High Plains Festival started in 1973.
“The fact that the High Plains Band and Choir Festival has been going for 50 years is a testament to the importance of such a festival for students in the High Plains region, the impact of arts education, and CSC’s commitment to excellence in all areas,” Pace said.
The following students were honored for being selected to the Honor Band or Honor Choir for multiple years.
HONOR CHOIR
Three Consecutive Years
Bridgeport, Neb.: Lucas Smith
Creek Valley, Neb.: Ella Ningen
Gordon-Rushville, Neb.: Brenna Bostock, Kylie Coomes
Kimball, Neb.: Gideon Casimiro
Paxton, Neb.: Damin Luedke
Four Consecutive Years
Hill City, S.D.: Mikennah Oleson
Chadron: Drew Milburn
HONOR BAND
Three Consecutive Years
Chadron: Naomie Elliott, Jacee Bates
Hill City, S.D.: Emma Euneau, Samantha Timm, Casie Andersen
Leyton, Neb.: Holden Syverson
Four Consecutive Years
Chadron: Dylan Gieseler, Maralee Rischling, Luke Kahl, Brendilou Armstrong
Valentine, Neb.: Sean Springer
Hemingford, Neb.: Destiny Hanson
—Abigail Swanson, College Relations
Category: Campus News, Music, Student Awards & Achievements