Student voices soared as more than 1,000 Omaha Public Schools musicians took the stage at the Holland Center for the 74th Annual All-City Music Festival on Feb. 3-4.
The event featured singers and instrumentalists in grades five through 12, selected from every school in our district. The performances allow students to showcase their talent in band, orchestra and choir.
Washington Elementary fifth grader Emmett Mortensen was selected to participate in the elementary choral ensemble. He had a solo in their performance of “Going to Boston.”
“I get to blow a train whistle during the song,” said Mortensen before taking the stage. “I’ve never performed in a crowd this big, so it’s exciting.”
Omaha Public Schools music teachers conducted each performance. Bente Wagner, a vocal music specialist at Washington Elementary and Gateway Elementary, led the elementary choir for the first time. She says the event and rehearsals are great for students to bond and work as a team.
“The festival is one of the longest traditions we have in the district, so it's something that kids really look forward to,” said Wagner. “They know it's an honor to be selected for this, and it’s a chance for them to perform on a professional stage.”
In addition to the All-City Music Festival, Omaha Public Schools provides opportunities for students to explore performing and fine arts all year long, helping them develop creativity, technical skills, and artistic voice.
Photos from this year’s All-City Music Festival are available on Omaha Public Schools social media pages.
February 2024
