Congratulations to Gracelyn Prehar and Téa Schwolert, who were selected to be in the Concordia Nebraska National Honors Choir Day! Over 300 high school singers were vying for one of the 130 spots in the choir. Dr. Kurt von Kampen, professor of music at Concordia-Nebraska and director of the National Choir, said that this was the most students to audition ever – about 70 more than last year. The decisions were difficult, but the result was a well-balanced, terrifically talented group of high school musicians from 15 states. Gracelyn and Téa traveled to Seward and rehearsed all day on November 1, finishing with a concert that evening at St. John Lutheran Church.
From Téa:
“My experience at Concordia Nebraska’s Honor Choir was filled with joy, encouragement, and enthusiasm for music. I was able to meet some professors, music teachers, and music students from around the country, sharing my love of music with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout the day, the hours of rehearsals and the talks with professors, we were reminded of the chief reason to make and perform good music: too share God’s love and saving power with others and to cherish it for ourselves. Music is a treasure and a stronghold. Concordia Nebraska strengthened that conviction for me.”
From Gracelyn:
“I thought that Seward was such a great experience because I got to be surrounded by fellow believers around my age and others who shared a love for music. The environment was very welcoming, and it was great to see a Christ-centered campus. I got to hear about what commitments you have to make in college to become a director or teacher of music, and that was really interesting to hear about. The campus was so pretty, and it felt like the same hospitality that I get in church. And the fact that we had only rehearsed one day and we were able to project the amazing sound we did just shows you how impressive the music program there is! Seward itself as a town was so pretty and simple, plus there were so many churches!!! Overall, Concordia Seward is definitely a school I would consider for college!
