Three from CCS play in all-star marching band

    Three Chase County High School students, Aragorn Green, Hope Reinke and Tristen Stumpff, were among 175 high school students from across Nebraska in the 28th annual Nebraska Masonic All-Star Marching Band
    It performed an impromptu concert in the Student Union on June 3 due to the lightning delay of the Shrine Bowl game in Kearney.
    The band members devoted four days of intense practice starting May 30, to learn the music, marching steps and field formations.
    The band gave their first public performance with a free public concert at UNK’s Health and Sports Arena June 2. The Harmon Park concert was moved to the arena due to the rain.
    The band also led the Shrine Bowl Parade in downtown Kearney Saturday morning and it also performed the pregame National Anthem for the 65th Annual Shrine Bowl football game on the UNK campus.
    The band members were hosted by the Nebraska Masonic Foundation and the Grand Lodge of Nebraska under the direction of Camp Director Eric BenSalah.
    The band was directed by Brad Weber, retired Band Director from Wayne High School, currently Instructor of Percussion at Wayne State College; Dan Sodomka, Band Director at Aurora High School; and Dr. Dave Bohnert, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Wayne State College.
    Scholarships for the CCS students were provided by Ogallala Chapter No. 142 and covered their individual camp costs, including lodging, meals, rehearsal spaces, etc.
    “A lot was demanded of the students this week,” BenSalah said. “As expected, they rose to the challenge. Practicing upwards of 7-8 hours a day, on their feet, these kids showed that they were among some of the best in the state,” he said.
    Band members also enjoyed evening activities.
    “The Masonic All-Star Marching Band is such an integral part of the Shrine Bowl,” said John Millington, Grand Master of Nebraska Masons.
    “Most important is the support they provide for the Shrine Hospitals for Children,” he said.
    Masonic lodges across Nebraska support local youth and community projects, humanitarian efforts including a child identification program, academic scholarships and efforts to support the military.