High school students from across the country performed in an honor choir and honor band as part of Musical Arts Day on Nov. 7 on the Concordia University—Nebraska campus.

The honor ensembles included 182 students who were selected by audition. Dr. Kurt von Kampen directed the honor choir, and professor Andrew Schultz directed the honor band in practices throughout the day.

Members of the university’s a cappella choir, including Concordia junior and Seymour native Andrew Bloch, and symphonic band helped with rehearsals and performed with the groups at the concert. Bloch is a Tenor I in the choir.

The honor choir performed “It Is Well With My Soul” by John Ness Beck, “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” by John Gardner, “Go To Dark Gethsemane” by David von Kampen and “God Is Our Refuge and Strength” by K. Lee Scott.

The a cappella choir then sang “O Sing Unto the Lord a New Song” by Jan Bender, “The Road Home” by Stephen Paulus and “Exultate, Justi” by Lodovico Viadana.

The two choirs combined to perform “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by Rene Clausen. Concordia’s brass ensemble, conducted by Dr. Wendy Schultz, joined in the song.

The high school honor band members performed three pieces: “Alamo March” by Karl King, the traditional hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Blue Ridge Reel” by Brian Balmages.

The symphonic band joined the concert with “Yorkshire Ballad” by James Barnes and “Commando March” by Samuel Barber.

The two bands closed the concert with “In Heaven’s Air” by Samuel R. Hazo and “Instant Concert” by Harold L. Walters.