Music Department News
The Sounds of the Season are Officially Here!
If you missed the Music Department Christmas program, or you want to listen again, enjoy this live stream video from Sunday, December 10. This is also great music to listen to when wrapping presents, making cookies, or studying for exams!
All State Honors Chorus Selection
Sophomore Landan Pierce has been selected for the All State Honors Chorus. Mr. Browne shared that this is the "top choir of the ILMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) Conference." Landan will be singing the part of Bass I, and the choir he will be singing with will be made up of 200 of the best singers in the state. Landan and the other singers will rehearse for two straight days starting on January 26 and perform a concert on January 28 in the Peoria Civic Center Arena. Mr. Browne reiterated that selection to this honors chorus "is saved for the top performing students in the state." The concert will end with a collaborative performance by the ILMEA All State Honors Band, Orchestra, and Chorus. Mr. Browne will accompany Landan to Peoria along with one other student (To be named at a later date) and will attend many ILMEA performances by Illinois jr. high, high school, and college ensembles.
About his selection and this honor, Landan shared: "I am ecstatic to have been selected to sing in the All-State Honors Chorus. It will be an incredible opportunity for me to further expand my knowledge and hone my skills as a singer. I am honored to work with the talented instructors and individuals that made the event possible."
Landan (left) recently starred as Grimsby in the highly successful NCHS production of The Little Mermaid.
Marching Band Opens the Hometown Christmas Lights Parade by Playing Loudly for All to Hear
Trumpets are ready to blast Joy to the World.
Guard selfie Christmas spirit above and "professional Christmas spirit" below.
Flute Squad is Squad Goals
Quentin is coming to terms with Mrs. Goostree flagging inches from his head in this parade. #noconcussions
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree and Mr. Browne // Gif Credit: Google Images
Low Brass is brilliantly lit!
No section is as lit as the percussion section.
Woodwinds are in the Holiday Spirit!
After the parade, impromptu caroling by Addison Browne, Chloe Maschhoff, and Lainey Fletcher helped usher in Santa and Mrs. Claus!
NCHS Music Director Steve Browne Performs in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Steve Browne is no novice when it comes to parades. He has directed his musicians over his many years as they have marched in countless parades both locally in Nashville and surrounding communities and nationally in such places as Orlando and New Orleans. But he's not only a director of parades. He himself is a participant as well having marched last year in 134th annual Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA, and just this past week in the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Mr. Browne performed with band directors from all over the nation in the Band Directors Marching Band assembled through the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation. Mr. Browne was filled with gratitude about his experience and his teaching after his most recent experience posting on Facebook: "I’m thankful. I’m thankful for the many things music has brought into my life. I’m thankful for the many places I have seen because of music. I have seen the country and have performed in some really great venues. I went to a banquet tonight with 400 outstanding music educators marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They have all brought so many years of experience with them. So many stories that are funny, inspiring, and thought-provoking. But most of all so many instances where they were able to influence young people in a positive way through music. That is what I’m most thankful for. Every day I get to go to work and perhaps get to witness the day that changed a person’s life."
Thank you, Mr. Browne, for being a model of excellence for NCHS musicians.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Drone footage of "Saluting America's Band Directors"
NCHS Musicians Perform in 2023 Prairie Honor Band Festival
Fifteen NCHS musicians and Mr. Morgan traveled to Wesclin High School on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, to participate in the Prairie Honor Band Festival under the direction of Dr. Christopher Morehouse. Mr. Morgan shared about the experience: "It's always amazing to watch a festival band come together and put on a performance. These kids arrived first thing in the morning and put in almost seven hours of rehearsal before they performed a concert that evening. I am so impressed by our students' talent to be able to join a band with only a day to prepare and put on as outstanding a performance as they did. The concert itself was a perfect send-off for our Thanksgiving break, touching on themes relevant to the holiday like appreciating the simple gifts in our lives. It felt like everybody was ready for the break, too, after an exhausting day of rehearsal, but it was well worth it!"
Photo Credit: Facebook
Row 1: Tanner Brooks, Stephany Becker, Robin Habeck; Row 2: Mr. Lucas Morgan, Nori Stockon, Chloe Maschhoff, Lainey Fletcher, Trinity Engleman, Arleth Rojas, Madison Haege; Row 3: Savannah Harrison, Quentin Pedtke, Addison Stambaugh, Hailee Grzegorek, Isaac Wrzesinski, and Wyatt Hicks
About the experience, senior Hailee Grzegorek shared: "I have been in the Prairie Honor band for three years, and it has always been amazing. It was a great experience to play different types of music that I have never played before in my eight years of band while also allowing me to get closer to the people in my section and make good friends as well."
NCHS Music Department Presents The Little Mermaid
Prince Eric (Quentin Pedtke), and Grimsby (Landon Pierce) accidentally steer the ship into trouble.
Ariel's best friends Flounder (Lainey Fletcher), Sebastian (Lia Bulger), and Scuttle (Nevaeh San Nicolas) always give the best advice.
It looks like Ariel is about to get her voice back!
Photo Credit: Parker Ebert and Mrs. Jennifer Maschhoff // Image Credit: Google Images
King Triton (Ethan San Juan) has his hands full with his seven daughters Allana (Kaitlin Whaley), Adella (Addie Grote), Atina (Merytt Zgonina), Arista (Hanley Presswood), Andrina (Meredith Anderson), and Aquata (Ava Draege). Wait...that's only six. Where's Ariel?
Ariel (Chloe Maschhoff), Scuttle (Nevaeh San Nicolas), and the rest of the seagulls check out Ariel's new legs.
Ursula (Addison Browne) plots a way to steal Ariel's voice with Flotsam (Trinity Engelmann), and Jetsom (Angel Rojek).
Sebastian is too quick for the knife of Chef Louis.
SPOILER ALERT (in case you have never seen The Little Mermaid): They all live happily ever after. In true Disney fashion, there's a wedding, singing, and a seagull happily flying through the scene.
If you missed the chance to go 'under the sea' opening weekend, tickets are still available for November 10th, 11th, and 12th. Get your tickets today before these shows sell out!
Tri-M Haunted Trail Was a Fright Indeed
The chilly and rainy weather wasn't good for the "Welcome to the Circus" Tri-M Haunted Trail causing Mr. Browne to have to cancel Saturday night's event; however, Friday night was quite the fright as evidenced by the exceptional costumes.
Photo Credit: Heather Arnold and Lia Bulger
Did you miss the Haunted Trail this year? Scroll through the images to the right for a frightful trip.
Get Ready for a Delightful Frightful Experience
Tri-M is preparing for a circus themed Haunted Trail this year. What's so scary about the circus, you may ask? CLOWNS.
Coulrophobia - the fear of clowns - plagues approximately 53.5% of people surveyed worldwide according to a 2022 article by the National Institue of Health.
Whether clowns scare you or not, Tri-M's Haunted Trail will have other characters guranteed to scare all of the screams out of you and your friends. Grab $5 and come out to the Haunted Trail...if you dare.
Isaac, Heather, Ethan, Tanner, Robin, and Trinity are busy getting the trail ready for a spooky visit! Safety first to get the very best scares.
Gif credit: Google Images // Picture credit: Jaylin Stofferhan //Flyer created by Hailee Grzegorek
Marching Band Closes Competition Season at Effingham
The Marching Hornets took the field on a "breezy" - 20 mph winds - day. Despite the wind, Color Guard brought home Outstanding Color Guard honors for Class 2A. Way to go, Guard!
" Just Roll With It" has been an innovative show with a roller rink, skaters, and singers. There's something new to see and hear during every performance. If you haven't caught the show yet, be sure to watch during halftime of the Hornet Football Playoff game against Pena on Saturday, October 28. You won't be disappointed.
Image Credit: Mrs. Goostree, and Social Media
Congratulations ILMEA Musicians!
"Music can change the world, because it can change people."
~Bono
Marching Hornets Place 5th at Greater St. Louis Band Festival
The season isn't over yet! The Marching Hornets compete at Effingham High School on October 21 and Pinckneyville High School on October 28. All are welcome to cheer them on in competition.
Post-awards selfie with both Guard captain Nevaeh and Drum Major Quentin
The roller rink has become a crowd favorite. Above, the brass section brings their feature to the rink. Below, Guard ends the show with skating and color.
Photo Credit: Mr. Browne and Social Media
The Little Mermaid Tickets Are On Sale NOW!
Are you ready to go "Under the Sea" with the NCHS Music Department's production of The Little Mermaid? These tickets will be as hot as Chef Louis' seafood dishes. Get your tickets from the Main Office before they sell out!
Flyer designed by Erica Kujawa // Video Credit: YouTube
Each Performance Brings Something New
If you have watched the Marching Hornets perform "Just Roll With It," you might have noticed something new each time. This week, there are a few more skaters joining the roller rink during the show's closing number. Be on the look out for Color Guard members Lainey Fletcher, Claire Greten, Nevaeh San Nicolas and Leila Rye.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree
Everyone Loves a Parade
Participation in the Wheat Festival Parade is a annual event for the NCHS Music Department.
Clearly this photo is not of the band but what a fun ride -- The Hang Glider. The BLUE BANNER caught a photo of freshman Brock Schuessler and sophomore Maliah Riechmann enjoying this ride after the parade and had to share.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum and Mr. Browne, Video Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum, Image Credit: Google Images
IMG_3941.MOV
The Little Mermaid cast members promoted the November musical.
Be sure to get your tickets when they go on sale.
Musical Cast Attends Little Mermaid
Members of the NCHS Little Mermaid cast attended the Marion Cultural and Civic Center's production of the Little Mermaid on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
the Mersisters
Sources tell us this is the BEST way to get rid of hiccups?!?!?
Interested in heading down to the Marion Cultural and Civic Center for upcoming events, click here to find out more of what they have to offer.
NCHS cast members
Photo Credit: Mrs. Jen Maschhoff
Marching Hornets Compete in O'Fallon
The Marching Hornets have their first competition under their belts with their debut at the Metro East Marching Classic in O'Fallon on Saturday, September 9. They finished 4th in Class A Competition, but they had the time of their lives performing for the crowd.
Spectators are always welcome at marching competitions. You can catch the Marching Hornets at three more competitions this season:
Saturday, October 7:
Greater St. Louis Band Marching Festival, Belleville
Saturday, October 21:
Effingham Marching Hearts Invitational, Effingham
Saturday, October 28:
Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Field Show, Pinckneyville
IMG_3662.MOV"Just Roll With It" has quite the props and stage. Set up takes true team work. Press play to view the ensemble enter the field.
Ready to Roll...
Color Guard members Rachael Staley, Tyler Hicks, Lainey Fletcher, Leila Rye, Audrey Matecki, Claire Greten, Vita Bartolotta, and Nevaeh San Nicolas have, like, a totally 80s vibe.
Post-Awards Selfie Tradition Continues! Mr. Morgan, Mr. Browne, Quentin, and Mrs. Goostree celebrate.
Drum Major Quentin Pedtke leads the group in "The Hokey Pokey" during the pre-show (above), while Chloe Maschhoff and Addison Browne sing AND skate on the roller rink (below).
Brass (above) and Woodwinds (bottom) working hard to march, play, and entertain during "Renegade" by Styx.
Pit Members Tanner Brooks, Lia Bulger, Landon Urbanski, and Addison Stambaugh have a moment of fun before dazzling us with their music.
Everyone dances to "Walk this Way." Shout out to Color Guard Captain Nevaeh San Nicolas for choreography.
Photo Credit: Mr. Browne, Mrs. Goostree, Mrs. Kollbaum, and Facebook.
"Just Roll With It" Debuts Under Friday Night Lights
Take a trip back to 1982 to "Rockin' Steve's Roller Rink" with the Marching Hornets. They have everything from the Hokey Pokey, to roller skating, to video games. This year's songs include "Grand Illusion," "Renegade," and "Best of Times" by Styx, "Total Eclipse of the Heart," by Bonnie Tyler, and "Walk this Way," by Run D.M.C.
Keep watching for changes at each performance, including the addition of another song.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Heggemeier
We Put the "FUN" in FUNdraising
NCHS musicians are currently selling LOTS and LOTS of goodies, including flavored popcorns, chocolates, dips, and meats.
All proceeds from the fundraising support the music program, including reeds, drumsticks, folders, and instruments.
Fundraising ends Friday, September 15, 2023 so don't miss out.
Ordering can be done through any music students and/or online following the directions on the image to the right.
These snacks would be great to have when you and your besties get together.
Image Credit: Google Images
"A Part Of Your World"
There's sure to be lots of excitement in the NCHS auditorium with opening rehearsals for the school production of The Little Mermaid. Congratulations to all the actors and actresses. More information to come about the productions but definitely mark your calendars now for November 3, 4, and 5 and November 10, 11, and 12.
Image Credit: Google Images
CAST OF THE LITTLE MERMAID
Ariel - Chloe Maschhoff Mersisters
Pilot - Joey Shopinski Aquata - Ava Draege
Prince Eric - Quentin Pedtke Andrina - Meredith Anderson
Grimsby - Landon Pierce Arista - Hanley Presswood
Flounder/Chef Louis - Lainey Fletcher Atina - Merytt Zgonina
Scuttle - Navaeh San Nicolas Adella - Bryna Jablonski
Windward - Heather Arnold Allana - Kaitlynn Whaley
Leeward - Therese Herrmann
King Triton - Ethan San Juan Flotsam - Trinity Engelman
Sebastian - Lia Bulger Jetsam - Angel Rojek
Ursula - Addison Browne
Ensemble
Sailors - Landon Urbanski, Joey Shopinski, Landon Pierce
Sea Creatures - Mersisters, Addie Grote, Anna Carr, Heather Arnold, Mia Vogt, Therese Herrmann
Gulls - Mersisters, Addie Grote, Anna Carr, Heather Arnold, Therese Herrmann, Mia Vogt
Maids - Anna Carr, Addie Grote, Heather Arnold, Therese Herrmann, Mia Vogt
Chefs - Anna Carr, Addie Grote, Heather Arnold, Therese Herrmann, Mia Vogt
"Just Roll With It"
We all know there isn't anything that our NCHS Music Department can't successfully accomplish, and they're proving that once again by adding roller skating to the competition halftime show. Eight "lucky" musicians will be putting on the skates to showcase their talents. Inquiring minds want to know: are they playing instruments while skating? We can't wait to find out.
Freshman Leila Rye isn't worried at all about this skating assignment.
Junior Chloe Maschhoff has it all under control.
Photo Credit: Mr. Browne // Image Credit: Google Images
Junior Addison Browne is determined to skate away.
Senior Navaeh San Nicolas is working hard to master what the teens in the '80s made look easy.
A Spirited NCHS Tradition
Friday mornings at 8:00 a.m. are not the quietest time in the halls of NCHS as the drumline makes their sounds heard. This tradition began years ago and is a great way to "hype up" the weekend during the fall football season. Feel free to join in behind the drumline chanting along with the other students. And, hey, definitely move out of the way of the drumline please.
Senior Zane Fletcher leads the drumline on the snare drum.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum // Image Credit: Google Images
junior Abbie Wilmont supporting the drumline and building school spirit
