.jpg)
LINCOLN —The 2024 Hartington-Newcastle Public School orchestra performed at the Nebraska State Music Education Convention, Nov. 20-22, in Lincoln.
Mary Hahne, HNS music director, said being selected to perform at the Nebraska Music Education Association, in music, is the equivalent to earning your way to the state basketball, football, or volleyball tournament.
“I am incredibly proud of this group and their accomplishment, as they were selected based on their recordings from the spring concert and 2024 capitol performance,” said Hahne.
For Hahne, teaching music is about creating lifelong memories and performances of which students will be proud long after graduating from HNPS.
“This was one of my lifelong dreams, but it was only achievable with students working together,” Hahne said.
The HNPS band stayed to listen to Lux Middle School seventh grade orchestra perform directly after their performance.
Hahne said this experience inspired many. One student who wants to be a band director told her, he wants to take his future band here five times.
The HNPS band started the concert with “Triton Fanfare,” by Robert W. Smith. Triton is the son of the god and goddess of the sea, and carried a seashell that he blew to calm the seas. This fanfare with its Olympic presentation is inspired by the recurring use of three.
The second selection “Casey’s Last Run,” by Timothy Loest, recreates the most legendary train wreck in American history in Vaughan, Miss. With Casey Jones remaining at the brake lever, he perished in the train wreck preventing further casualties.
“The Tempest,” by Robert W. Smith, conveys a sense of mystery as the impending energy of the band grows leading into the brass entrance which indicates the storm.
The band followed with “After the Rain” by Neufeld. The sound of gentle rain was reproduced by the 49 piece band snapping their fingers, followed by the bells and vibraphone entrance creating a mellow calm after the storm.
The band crossed the border into Mexico with a piece titled “Plaza De Toros,” by Mark Williams. In this Spanish original, with a Mariachi flavor and an atmosphere of high energy, one was transported into a Bullfighting Ring.
The band then performed “The Antagonist,” by Larry Clark. Within the structure of a good story, there is always an opposing force. With its aggressive style and melodic phrases throughout each section, Larry Clark creates a musical storyline.
“Music plays an important role in all our lives as well as an important role in our schools,” said A.J. Johnson, HNS superintendent.
The band’s finale was the main title and theme from “Star Wars.”
“Music enriches our souls. It’s like great poetry. It’s something to live for and to live by. It has power. Without music, the movie screens would not come to life,” John Williams the composer of “Star Wars” said.
It took many people to make this performance possible and Hahne and the student performers appreciate the help of School Board members Candice Climer, Jason Dendinger, Aaron Fuelberth, Jason Heikes, Ian Lange, Dana Rosener, and administrators, A.J. Johnson, Corey Uldrich, and Sarah Edwards for supporting this opportunity.
Edwards helped with the performance by reading the program notes before each piece. Kevin McLouth, Northeast Community College, and Joshua Calkin, Wayne State College, helped with a band clinic to help prepare for the performance.
“To the parents and community, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement of music education. Students, your performance and presentation was incredible. You represented our school and community well.,” said Hahne. “Thank you to the booster club for the snacks, drinks, street-signs and supporting the trip. Special thanks to Cedar County News for printing the programs, and the Bank of Hartington for their support in printing the programs for this event. Lastly, thanks to Ray’s Midbell, Security Bank, and Taylor Music for funding a portion of the trip.”
The 2024 Hartington-Newcastle Public School orchestra performed at the Nebraska State Music Education Convention, Nov. 20-22, in Lincoln. Members of the orchestra include, (front) Flute-Celia Gall, Kylie Ross; Clarinet- Nora Lange, Brooklyn Lenhoff, Ella Crosley, Linden Bensen, Danika Kleinschmit; (second row) Baritone-Axel Sudbeck, Nathan Heimes, Jacob Hagen, Brody Dickes. Tenor Sax-Tate Dickens, French Horn- Ashlynn Dailey, Alto Saxophone- Owen Hart, Harper Folkers, Randall Huesers, Elliot Kneifl, Max Wiedenfeld, Ella Schulte; (third) Henry Folkers, Carter Reyes, Maverick Tanderup, Sarah Clark, Rylan Haug, Malyla Zach, Makenzie Dailey, Waylan Grutsch, Ella Hoeppner; (fourth) Trombone - Rex Lippert, Caleb Heimes, Anthony Thoene, Kate Wiedenfeld, Camryn Bruning, Tuba - Dylan Heikes, Merrick Folkers, Owen Lange, Trumpet- Emma Hoeppner, Maggie Lippert, Lauren Uldrich, Haleigh Lammers, Logan Kneifl; Back Row: Band Director-Mrs. Hahne, Bells- Violet Sage, Auxiliary Percussion-Cortana Williams, Mallots-Willa Sage, Percussion-Gabe Sovereign, Scout Heimes, Bass Drum- Drake Hergott, and Timpani- James Uhing.
