Area students participate in Masonic marching band

Two students from Chase County were among 259 high school students from across Nebraska who participated in the 25th annual Masonic All-Star Marching Band, which performed June 1 during Shrine Bowl festivities in Kearney.
Participating were CCS junior Heather Stumpff, daughter of Brian and Loretta Stumpff of Imperial, and Ella O’Neil, daughter of Shannon and Sandy O’Neil of Wauneta, who attends Wauneta-Palisade High School.
The band members devoted four days of practice starting May 28 to learn the music, marching steps and field formations. The band gave a public concert at Harmon Park on May 31. The band led the Shrine Bowl Parade down Kearney’s Central and 1st Avenue on June 1 and it also performed the pre-game National Anthem and during half-time of the 61st annual Shrine Bowl football game at the University of Nebraska at Kearney field.
The band members were hosted by the Masons of Nebraska, and were 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, Director of Bands at Wayne State College.
Stumpff and O’Neil both received scholarships from Imperial Chapter OES No. 279. The scholarships covered the costs of the camp.
The members also enjoyed evening activities consisting of a night of free time and music on the football field, bowling at the Big Apple Fun Center and a dance.