Six Students Chosen for UNK Honor Bands
Six members of the Pierce High School band were chosen to play in the University of Nebraska at Kearney honor bands. The honor band and choir clinic was held on Monday, January 23, at the UNK campus. Over 1,000 band and choir students from Nebraska and Kansas auditioned; 720 students from 107 schools were chosen to participate in the clinic.
Three students–Zachery Halsey, Myckaila Leach, and Danika Wieting–were selected for the Festival Band, directed by Dr. Michael Beard, UNK assistant professor of music and assistant director of bands. The Festival Band played four songs: Los Madre de Los Gatos, Twilight Falls, Jungle Dance, and Topacana for Band.
The other three students–Laurie Venteicher, Zachary Fehringer, and Rachel Tweedy–were chosen for the more select Honor Band, directed by Dr. Duane Bierman, UNK assistant professor of music and director of bands. The Honor Band played four selections as well: Kentucky – 1800, Australian Up-Country Tune, A Renaissance Revel (Greatest Dance Hits of the 1500’s), and In Storm and Sunshine.
The day started early, with the first rehearsal beginning at 8:30 a.m. Three more rehearsals, each lasting two hours, were held throughout the day. The final concert was held in the evening.
About the day, senior Zachery Halsey said, “I learned some new things and some things Mr. Sindt had already taught us. Overall, I had fun and thought the day went well.”
Senior Laurie Venteicher said, “My director was fun. I met a lot of new people, and I learned a new appreciation for music.”
