Bartlett Bits from Mrs. Tetschner
Band Field Trip
Wheeler Central band members traveled to Kearney Wednesday, October 13 for both an educational and fun day. Those members included Wyatt McCain, Zane Potter, Parker Freouf, Breyden Renner, Haley Borwege Ashtyn Overlease, Jailynn Harrison and Makayla McCain. Reese Smith and Braelynn Schlenger were also invited because of extra support they had given the band when preparing for Harvest of Harmony in Grand Island. Sponsors were bus driver Karen Pokorny and me, Mrs. Sherry Tetschner.
At 9:15 a.m. we entered Kearney High School a little overwhelmed by the large size of the school. Nathan LaFeber, Director of Bands at Kearney High School, greeted us with much enthusiasm and gave us a tour of the school, which is fairly new. The gym with three volleyball courts, the swimming pool, the art rooms, the room where t-shirts are designed, the room a car could fit in for repairs or other things, the huge theater stage and so much more was amazing. After the tour we were led into the band room where the marching band class was in session. The students there all greeted us enthusiastically. Our students were given a chance to ask and answer questions from the Kearney students and band director. Then, just for us, they played a marching piece and "Hey Baby," one of their favorites. Then it was time for serious instrumental practice which we quietly observed.
At 11:00 we were to be at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Fine Arts building. Unfortunately, we could not find the parking lot to park the bus so we were a little late. The college has changed tremendously since I attended school there, so I wasn't much help for our bus driver. When we did enter the Fine Arts Building Mr. Duane Bierman, Associate Professor of Music at UNK, greeted us graciously.
Mr. Bierman had prepared a drumming interactive session for the Wheeler Central Band students. Each student was given a drum and participated in rhythmic drum patterns as directed by Mr. Bierman. Again, students were given a chance to ask questions pertaining to music and the college.
When the drumming session was finished Wheeler Central students were given the opportunity to observe a jazz band in a practice session. Our drummers Parker Freouf and Ashtyn Overlease had the opportunity to sit with the jazz drummer and drum with him. Wyatt McCain, who is hoping to receive a bass guitar for Christmas, thoroughly enjoyed watching the jazz bass guitarist.
Lunch was enjoyed at McDonalds. Our last stop in Kearney would be at the "Big Apple," where students enjoyed laser tag, bowling and playing arcade games.
The trip home was not as quiet as I anticipated, but I believe the day provided much for the band students to ponder and think about.