Classic A Learning Opportunity For The Band, Too

Much of the attention during the Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic falls on the players on the field. However, they are not the only ones putting in a week's worth of work to produce a great product on the field.

The Northeast Nebraska All-Star Marching Band has become as much a part of the all-star tradition as the game itself. Musicians from all over the area are selected to put in rigorous work during game week in order to pump up the crowd, build the atmosphere and display a superior performance at halftime of the game. Students put in as much as seven hours a day of work, learning songs, marching and simply how to sound well with other band members that they may never have played with before. 

"We put every instrument on a yard line and just start with eight steps at a time forward, then we mark time and go sixteen steps. Then we go forward and backward. We really run through a drill. We spent probably a solid hour on that and by the time we were done, everybody had it," said Neligh-Oakdale band director Nate Metschke, a director for the all-star band. 

The week began on Tuesday, with band members filling the halls of Norfolk High School for hours on end working on the various aspects of the performance. The biggest challenge for many of the band members is not learning the songs, but how to walk. More specifically, how to walk in time and march properly. 

"It's a bit of a different experience," said Neligh-Oakdale's Celina Knievel, a member of the flute section.

According to Knievel's fellow Neligh-Oakdale alum Brittany McConnell, being a multi-time participant has it's advantages.

"Most of the kids were here last year, so we know most of them," said McConnell, an alto sax player. "Last year I had absolutely no idea what to do when they gave us those sheets. Now we know."

One student that had a particularly interesting road to the all-star band was Matthew Feusse, a homeschool student that takes private lessons from Metschke.

"If you haven't played before or marched at all, its a pretty good experience. I hadn't done that before, so I'm learning quite a bit," he said.

While the week is full of challenges and the students have to stay focused, that doesn't stop them from enjoying the whole experience.

"It's kind of fun to meet new people and learn new songs," said Clearwater-Orchard's James Kester. "It's all fun."

"All the teachers that are here, we're all just a fun-loving bunch of criminals," added Metschke. "We love kids and working with kids. They enjoy us and we enjoy them."

Once Saturday hit, the band was flawless. The kept the atmosphere strong despite sweltering conditions and the sun beating down on them in the bleachers. They took to the field at halftime and put on a show that impressed all of the more than 2,000 fans in attendance. 

The experience was particularly rewarding for two Neligh-Oakdale students - Aden Schindler and Wynter Fulsaas. The duo earned a sweep of the band rewards for the game. Schindler took home the most improved musician award.

"Adan is a great young man, and a wonderful trumpet player! This week at camp he really worked his tail off and caught the eyes of all the directors," Metschke said. "This was his first time marching a halftime show, and he really picked it up quickly."

Fulsaas, who has experienced this event in the past as a band member, took control as a drum major. Her experience and leadership earned her the outstanding leader award.

"It's no secret that Wynter plans to be a band director when she grows up. This was her third year at camp and her second year of being a drum major," Metschke said. " She was all over the place helping students With marching techniques, finding their spots on the field, and just being a great leader and teacher. She was always finding someone to help, and never once sat down and take a break."