CCS musicians selected for 26th Masonic All-Star Marching Band

    Three musicians at Chase County Schools were among 182 high school students from across Nebraska who participated in the 26th annual Masonic All-Star Marching Band, which performed June 5 during Shrine Bowl festivities in Kearney.
    Participating were Virginia Kimble and Ella O’Neil, both seniors, and sophomore Tristen Stumpff.
    The band members devoted four days of intense practice starting June 1, learning the music, marching steps and field formations.  
    The band gave its first performance with a public concert at Harmon Park June 4.         The band led the Shrine Bowl Parade down Kearney’s Central and 1st  Avenue  the morning of the game, and  also performed the pre-game National Anthem and during half-time of the 61st annual Shrine Bowl football game on the UNK campus.
    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.
    Kimble and O’Neil received scholarships from Jim Heinke, while Stumpff was awarded a scholarship from Richard and Bonnita Sherburn, which covered the cost of the camp.
    “The band members worked hard during the week preparing for the Shrine Bowl performances,” said Jim Carlton, Grand Master of Nebraska Masons.  
    “They also had a lot of fun meeting new people and enjoyed the activities, but they also understand the main reason for the long hours and hard work,” he added.
    Patients at the Shriners Hospitals for Children will benefit the most from the band’s efforts, Carlton said.  
    Masonic lodges across Nebraska support youth and community projects, and other humanitarian efforts.