Dr. James F. Payne
UNK music professor, 308.865.8606 or paynej@unk.edu
The Department of Music and Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will present an Honor Band and Choral Clinic for high school students on Monday, Jan. 23.
“The Honor Band and Choir Clinic is an opportunity for students in Nebraska and Kansas to work with the finest conductors in the state,” said Dr. James Payne, UNK professor of music and event director.
At the end of the day, the three choirs and two bands will present a 6 p.m. concert in the UNK Health and Sports Center. Tickets will go on sale Monday at 5 p.m. for $3. Participants and preschool children will be admitted for free.
In all, 107 high schools in Nebraska and Kansas are sending 720 music students to participate in the clinic. According to Dr. Payne, more than 1,000 instrumentalists and vocalists auditioned.
The musicians will rehearse during the day under the instruction of the clinicians, learning new ideas and methods of making music. Students will also participate in various workshops presented by UNK music faculty and guest clinicians.
The Honor Choir will be directed by Dr. David Bauer, UNK professor of music and director of choirs. The Honor and Festival Bands will be directed by Dr. Duane Bierman, UNK assistant professor of music and director of bands, and Dr. Michael Beard, UNK assistant professor of music and assistant director of bands, respectively.
Guest clinicians Brian Botsford, choir director at Bishop Nuemann High School in Wahoo, and Marge Simons-Bester, choir director at Bellevue East High School, will direct the Festival and Women’s Choirs, respectively.
