Music Department News
NCHS Christmas Concert Puts Everyone in the Holiday Spirit🎄
Lainey, Quintin, and Kali and their "jazzy" opening.
Music 1 students shared their first performance.
Melayna and Addison during Concert Band.
Pop Music performed their smash hit "Biggie Cheese," which is not a Christmas song, but is entertaining. To hear them perform, enjoy the video below.
Congratulations to Garret Williamson for being selected as part of the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Choir in January!
Photo Credit: Mrs. Heggemeier //Video Credit: Mr. Browne
Madrigal Dinner: A Rousing Success
The beautiful sound of music and laughter filled the NCHS cafeteria on the eves of December 9 and 10, 2022 as the NCHS Choir hosted the Madrigal Dinner. The three course fare was fabulous, and the comedy was most entertaining. But the highlight of the show was truly the musical vocals of the cast under the direction of Mr. Steve Browne. Click on the video to listen to a clip of one of the beautiful songs perfomed by the choir.
Trumpeteers Jillian Kuhl and Kade Kasban
Jester Malayna Bock
Chloe Maschhoff as old Margaret
A ballet interlude by Sophia Doerr
Photo Credit: Facebook // Video Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
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Ask Anna, Jessi, and Nori how many times they carried in that HEAVY fruitcake?!?!
Malayna, Ava, and Cameron played off this comedic bit about the gift for the Queen Mum wonderfully.
Tri-M Teaches the Next Generation of Musicians
“Music is life, bro.” a very wise man once told me. That wise man is Mr. Steve Browne, the NCHS Music Director. As if he didn’t have enough on his plate he threw another thing on there. Mr. Browne and Tri-M members this year are bringing music to students at Trinity St. John Lutheran School and St.Ann Catholic School, two grade schools that don’t have music programs. When asked what the main purpose of this new program is, Mr. Browne says, “This idea was developed so these kids could experience playing a musical instrument.” So, this is for students at grade schools who don't have a music program to enjoy what most of us had offered to us at public grade schools with music programs. There are some challenges our Tri-M members are facing as they teach music for the first time. Kade Kasban said his biggest challenge is “figuring out where more help is needed and helping them overcome that struggle. Patience is key when working with beginners because learning a brand new concept can be frustrating for them and it might bring discouragement with it.” Another Tri-M member that helps frequently is Abby Ferrell. She shared, “I’ve never taught a beginning class before so this was a whole new thing. I have to forget what I think everyone knows and instead ask what someone who has never picked up an instrument knows. It’s like returning to my beginning in 5th grade.” We all know that learning new things can be stressful, but Kade says that he doesn’t get a lot of stress and it's actually quite fun. Abby, however, says that it's both fun and stressful. The fun part is watching them grow and seeing how their eyes light up; the stressful part is trying to get them to do what needs to be done. By the end of the year Abby and Kade both hope to see improvement, and for all the kids to be confident when put on the spot to play music. Mr. Browne wants to see these students continue learning and to play music in high school. When you learn music you find enjoyment in every musical experience.
By Becca Shopinski, Class of 2023
Emma, Abby, and Kade teach students at Trinity St. John Lutheran School
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and LIFE to everything.
~Pluto
Madrigals Help Welcome Santa to the Nashville Train Depot
'Tis the season for Madrigal performances where you might least expect them. On Saturday, November 26, the Madrigals shared their musical talents and helped welcome Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the anxious tiny tots waiting to share their wishes with Santa.
If you want to see the Madrigals in their full traditional performance, tickets are still available for the Madrigal Dinner on December 9 and 10 at NCHS. Please see the previous article with ticket information.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Williamson
NCHS Musicians Relish their Prairie Honor Band Experience
Photo Credit: Mr. Browne
On Tuesday, November 22, twenty-one NCHS musicians enjoyed a full day of rehearsing with some of the best musicians of the area, as well as performing a concert for the public. Prairie Honor Band is an ensemble made up of high school band programs, including Nashville, Freeburg, Wesclin, Okawville, Carlyle, Lebanon, and New Athens.
Being selected is an honor, but for Seniors who are relishing every experience during their final year, it's something a little more. Abby Ferrell shared, "My experience with Prarie Honor Band has been stressful but positive. This was the second year I participated. The music is definitely challenging, but the pieces often tell stories that can only be expressed through the music we all make together. The people I met this year were incredibly friendly and whenever one of us was confused there was someone right next to you ready to jump in and help." Savannah Downey reflected, "I had such a fun time at Prairie Honor Band. I got to meet so many amazing musicians from surrounding towns, and I got to learn challenging music from a very skillful director. I am so proud of how the performance turned out and am so happy to have had this opportunity."
"Prepare the Boar's Head!" The Madrigal Dinner is Upon Us.
Our NCHS Choir is hosting a Madrigal Dinner this year on December 9th and 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Every two years, the NCHS Choir gives an excellent and hilarious Madrigal performance. The performance of the Madrigals is set in the medieval time period, somewhere between 476 AD and 1453. There are common characters you might recognize, like a King and Queen, Prince and a Princess, a Jester, and many more. All of these characters have a blunt attitude and a witty humor towards each other that make the performance enjoyable to watch. During the performance, there will be a 3 course meal for the audience to eat when the performers eat during the plot of the play, as well as acappella singing and a ballet dancer. The Madrigal Choir might also have some surprise Christmas caroling around Nashville, but those dates are to be determined. If you would like to come watch the Madrigal performance this year at NCHS, tickets can be purchased in the Main Office for $20 a ticket. Hope to see you there.
By Emma Grathwohl, Class of 2023
A big thank you to Mrs. Heggemeier's class for designing these eye-catching flyers and tickets. Special recognition to Daci Finke, who designed the flyer, as well as Ryan Kujawa and Paityn Matecki who designed tickets for each night's event.
Tickets are going fast! Get yours today!
Marching Hornets End A Season of Fun in the Sun
"Surf's Up" came to a close on Saturday, October 29, with some special recognition for the Marching Hornets. Drum Majors, Percussion, and Color Guard were recognized for Outstanding Performances in Class A competition, and the entire ensemble finished 2nd. Thank you, Marching Hornets, for an entertaining season.
Mr. Browne, Quentin, Emma, Mrs. Goostree, and Tessa with caption and ensemble awards.
Final bus selfies.
Our names aren't on our uniforms. We wear the same thing as everyone else because we are a team. For three months, the members of that team march 8-5 with their heads up, shoulders back, quarter's clenched, calves aching, shoulders burning, lungs pumping, and sweat dripping with the determination to be better than we were the day before. In competition, judges don't care about that. To them, we are individual dots for seven minutes. But we know that 82 individual dots, working together, brought fantastic entertainment to multiple crowds and made them feel what we feel for that seven minute performance: happiness.
How many seniors can we fit in the trailer...without popping the tires? All of them! Thank you for all of the hard work, leadership, and memories, Seniors! You will be missed.
Mr. Browne and Mrs. Goostree arrive long before the Marching Hornets to make sure the props are safe and show ready. Peace out until next year, props!
Photo credit: Mr. Browne and Mrs. Goostree
Tri-M Haunted Trail Brought a Weekend of Fright nights
Hailee and Isaac get into character.
This boo crew is ready to haunt your dreams.
Zoe, Sophia, Savannah, Paige, and Merytt share fun by the fire.
Photo credit: Mrs. Goostree
NCHS Musicians Selected for ILMEA and Prairie Honor Band
NCHS musicians perform at the highest level in every opportunity they are given. In the fall, the community oftentimes sees them hyping up the team and fans at football games and marching in local parades. Their weekends are spent at marching band competitions to the north and to the south. They can be heard at basketball games as an entire group or as individuals performing the Star Spangled Banner or as an ensemble group such as the Percussion Ensemble. They perform concerts, provide the music and vocals for musicals, and host the Madrigal dinner every other year. These are just some of the examples of when the students perform for the public. But NCHS musicians extend themselves beyond those more well-known performance opportunities. They challenge themselves to perform at the highest level in state festivals. Many times the preparation for these musical opportunities begins in the previous year and continues throughout the summer months. The preparation allows them to then audition for the select festivals.
Congratulations, NCHS Musicians. You deserve this special recognition for your talents and dedication to your craft.
Image Credit: Google Images
ILMEA is a festival hosted by the Illinois Music Educators Association. Teachers in this organization nominate their students to audition. Each student records their audition and submits it in the fall. Everyone auditions with the same music. The audition submission is judged by a music professional and given a score. Based on that score, students are placed in the All-District ensemble. This ensemble is made up of the best musicians in Southern Illinois and the Metro-East. They rehearse for one day and perform a concert that same evening. This year's ILMEA Festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2022, and features seven NCHS musicians.
The Prairie Honor Band selection is very similar to the ILMEA process reports musician and music director Steve Browne. Preparation for the Prairie Honor Band begins in August, and each selected student must know their part before the festival. The entire Prairie Honor Band is an ensemble made up of high school band programs, including Nashville, Freeburg, Wesclin, Okawville, Carlyle, Lebanon, and New Athens. This year's Prairie Honor Band Performance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 22, 2022, and features twenty-one NCHS musicians.
Frightful Fun Awaits at the Tri-M Haunted Trail & Laser Tag
Tri-M, is hosting a Haunted Trail on Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th from 7:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Tri-M is also having R & J Tactical Laser Tag from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. both nights. The cost for unlimited access to laser tag is $10.00 for one night or $15.00 if you plan to come for both. But wait…there’s STILL more. Tri-M will also host a Trick or Treat for the little kids and will offer concessions as well. All of the fun starts at the Music Pavilion behind the school. Bundle up, prepare to have fun, and we hope to see you there.
By Emma Grathwohl, Class of 2023
Image credit: Google Images
NCHS Marching Hornets are a Crowd Favorite in Newton
A cloudless sky and only a slight breeze made for perfect performance conditions at the Newton Marching Classic on Saturday, October 15. The Marching Hornets brought home 2nd place in 3A Marching, and were honored to be awarded the Miss D Crowd Appeal Award. You have one more chance to see the Marching Hornets perform "Surf's Up" at Pinckneyville High School on Saturday, October 29. All are welcome to cheer them on.
Drum Majors Emma and Quentin salute the judges.
Savannah Downey's great flute solo starts the show.
Claire defying gravity on the big surf prop.
"Everybody get out of the water! It's a shark!" (Don't worry...it's only Tristan)
Bass drums are ready for their solo.
Emma, Quentin, Mr. Browne, and Mrs. Goostree with the 2nd Place and Crowd Favorite trophies.
Marching Hornets enter the field ready to perform (above) and are so "Happy Together" (below).
Garrett and the Shrimp Shack Shooters pump up the crowd for the show's closer.
NCHS Marching Hornets celebrate their Miss D Crowd Appeal Award.
What is the Miss D Crowd Appeal Award, and why is it so special?
Carolyn Dominek, better known as Miss D to her students, was a true pioneer in the field of music education. As one of the first female members of the Marching Salukis at SIUC, she began early on breaking down barriers. In 1970, she took on the position of band instructor at Newton Elementary and in 1974, an era when women were hired only for choir, orchestra or elementary schools, she became the director for the NCHS Marching Eagles. In her 26 years in that position, she took a struggling band program of 40 members and turned it into one of the finest and largest (240) in the land.
This award is given in her honor to the band that performs Miss D's kind of show - one that makes you wanna stand and yell "Bring it home!"
"It always feels great to be recognized for your hard work by the judges who determine your standing in your designated class," Mrs. Goostree said, "but it's a real honor to be recognized by the audience for the feeling we bring to them through our performance. And to know this award is to honor the memory of a real trailblazer in her field and the feeling her students brought to their home crowd makes it even more special."
Photo Credits: Mr. Browne, Mrs. Goostree, and an awesome band parent // Information about Miss D: Newton Band Classic Website
Marching Hornets and NCHS Football Continue the Post-Game Tradition on Senior Night
Senior parents with their favorite Band and Color Guard members
Color Guard Seniors: Becca, Mady, Paige, and Tessa
HONORED SENIOR MUSICIANS
Malayna Bock, Carson Cook, Savannah Downey, Leah Edwards, Abby Ferrell, Noah Frederking, Petey Geppert, Emma Grathwohl, Tristan Harrison, Kali Heggemeier, Seth Henderson, Kade Kasban, Jill Kuhl, Gabe Kurtz, John Kennedy, Bryson McCleary, Sawyer Matecki, Burk Morgan, Landon Pelczynski, Roman Reams, Cameron Warnick, Garrett Williamson, Sophie White
COLOR GUARD: Mady Farley, Tessa Kellerman, Paige Greten, Rebecca Shopinski
Enjoy this Senior Marching Band Member Photo Gallery
Video Credit: Mrs. Goostree // Photo Credit: Mr. Browne and an awesome Guard parent
Marching Hornets Place 3rd in Effingham
The Marching Hornets took the field in Effingham on Saturday, October 8, and faced solid competition. The Marching Hornets placed 3rd in 3A competition, but were also 3rd out of 13 schools in the "small bands" category. Color Guard finished 2nd out of 13, and Percussion finished 3rd. Both Mr. Browne and Mrs. Goostree stated that the performance in Effingham is the best this group has performed all season. Mrs. Goostree added, "I'm excited for the home crowd to see our entire show this Friday night at Senior Night." While this may not have been the outcome they were hoping for, the Marching Hornets will regroup and compete in Newton this Saturday, October 15.
The Marching Hornets met for a run-through before heading to Effingham. Shout out to Mrs. Williamson for making sure these musicians were fed before loading the bus.
Beautiful weather for a performance in Effingham (minus the wind).
"Everybody get out of the water! It's a shark!!! 🦈 🚩🦈 🚩🦈🚩
When your birthday falls on a marching competition day...surprise pinata! Happy Birthday, Leah.
These surf boards add important pops of color in the show...and also look cool when the Marching Hornets are in pre-game lines.
Woodwinds are warming up the instruments and the body for their marching and dance moves.
Drum line is FIRED UP about performing.
Quintin, Mr. Browne, Emma, and Mrs. Goostree celebrate a 3rd place finish.
Photo credits: Mr. Browne, Mrs. Browne, Mrs. Goostree, and Mrs. Williamson.
Coolest Wheat Festival Tradition: Marching Hornets and Nashville Middle School bands play their parade songs for each other before they step off. #respect
FLUTES ARE READY!
ec1eedaf432ad89edd8e5c1b49c8705f.mp4Be sure to check out the newest Tik Tok Dance - "The Curler, Crimper, Straightener" - created by Mr. Browne and Mady Farley. This is bound to be the latest trend.
Photo Credits: Mrs. Goostree, Mr. Browne, and Mrs. Browne. //Tik Tok Credit: @drumdog32
Marching Hornets Bring "Surf's Up" Vibe to Wheat Festival Parade.
Check out those lines behind Drum Majors Emma and Quentin.
Need a parade banner to announce your arrival? A sign on your side-by is very 2022.
Creating the newest Tik Tock Dance trend is very exciting.
NCHS Marching Hornets Open Their Season Competition at the Metro East Marching Classic
The Marching Hornets traveled to O'Fallon, IL on Saturday, September 10, 2022 to compete in their first competition of the season. The Hornets received first in General Effect Music, first in General Effect Visual, and third overall in Class A. Director Steve Browne posted: "We were less than 1/2 point away from winning the dang thing."
It wasn't just the judges who liked the show the Marching Hornets put on. Laughter was heard amidst the crowd when the show began with the Hornets dancing and especially when the show concluded with Jaws making his appearance and moving across the field.
Look at these impressive and crisp lines and formations.
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"OBLIGATORY AND AWESOME" bus selfies
IMG_7096.MOVThe Marching Hornets take to the field amidst cheers from the supportive fans.
The vibrant color of the Marching Hornets show was UNMATCHED by their competition.
Savannah Downey sets the tone for the love story to begin with her opening flute solo for "Happy Together."
"Check it out, NCHS...we're bringing home some HARDWARE!!" Drum Majors Quentin Pedtke and Emma Grathwohl celebrate with Mr. Browne and Mrs. Goostree
Video Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum // Photo Credit: Facebook and Mrs. Kollbaum
Next competition is OCTOBER 8th at Effingham High School.
Can't make it that competition?
Then don't forget to wish your friends and peer GOOD LUCK on October 7th.
NCHS Marching Hornets: One Band, One Team.
Would you believe the Marching Hornets have a roster of 91 this year? It's hard to tell from this picture of 5th hour band. The Marching Hornets have a very specific outlook about this: while there are 91 people who perform, they move together and sound as one. It takes a great deal of focus, practice, and teamwork to perform this year's show "Surf's Up!".
To achieve one sound takes many sections. Scroll down to meet the sections of the NCHS Marching Hornets.
Marching Hornets Competition Schedule
Saturday, September 10
O'Fallon High School
Saturday, October 8
Effingham High School
Saturday, October 15
Newton High School
Saturday, October 29
Pinckneyville High School
Flutes:
Emma Grathwohl, Merytt Zgonina, Chloe Maschhoff, Savannah Downey, Brie Schlicter, Stephany Becker, Levi Austin, Mackenzie Mason, Ava Kinder, and Grace Stein. Not Pictured: Hanley Presswood and Jaylin Stofferhan.
Saxaphones:
Sawyer Matecki, Meredith Anderson, Nori Stockon, Pierson Krewinghaus, Ethan San Juan, John Kennedy, and Wyatt Hicks
Trumpets:
Leah Edwards, Kade Kasban, Burk Morgan, Petey Geppert, Jill Kuhl, Grace Tolliver, Noah Frederking, Jaden Chen, Bryna Jablonski, Rheanna Kiefer, Zeke Kinder, and Gabe Kurtz. Not pictured: Carson Cook and Heather Arnold.
Drumline:
Roman Reams, Seth Henderson, Kaitlynn Whaley, Gavin Geppert, Bryson McCleary, Katelin Elder, Savannah Harrison, Andrew Gollaher, Zane Fletcher, and Brady Meyer. Not pictured: Reese Rowell and Chesney Ford.
Color Guard:
Tessa Kellerman, Nevaeh San Nicholas, Lainey Fletcher, Claire Greten, Becca Shopinski, Madi Farley, and Paige Greten
Garrett and The Shrimp Shack Shooters:
Chloe Maschhoff, Emma Williamson, Sophie White, Addison Browne, Roman Reams, Seth Henderson, Cameron Warnick, and Garrett Williamson
Drum Majors and Director:
Emma Grathwohl, Quentin Pedtke and Mr. Browne. Shoutout to Mr. Browne's strong selfie game.
Clarinets:
Angel Rojek, Gracie Morales, Anna Carr, Malayna Bock, Addison Stambaugh, Trinity Engleman, Arleth Rojas, Dakota Hanenberger, and Nadia Morales. Not pictured: Abby Ferrell.
Trombones:
Zoe Lopez, Josie Bronke, Robin Habeck, Hailee Grzegorek, Landon Pelczynski, Peyton Murray, and Kenny Golino. Not pictured: Isabella Lovin and Katie Kurwicki.
Baritones:
Madison Haege and Kali Heggemeier. Not pictured: Addison Browne and Emma Williamson.
Pit:
Ren Canada, Jaylin Stofferahn, Landon Urbanski, Chloe Maschhoff, Will Volz, and Tanner Brooks. Not pictured: Jackson Mauer.
Tuba/Sousaphones:
Garrett Williamson, Tristan Harrison, and Isaac Wrzesinski
a81994a39423831e4a575fddf00fde20.mp4The "Preshow" and dancing were inspired by Teen Beach Movie. Color Guard is always looking for an excuse to make a Tik Tok, so enjoy the introduction for the movie's cast.
Enjoy the inspiration for this year's show opener, "Surfin' U.S.A.," by The Beach Boys.
Photo Credits: Mrs. Goostree, Merytt Zgonina, Malayna Bock, Sawyer Matecki, Zoe Lopez, Roman Reams, Tessa Kellerman, Garrett Williamson, and Quentin Pedtke // Image Credit: Lee's Sports // Tik Tok: Tessa Kellerman (@tessa)