The sounds of pianos, violins, basses and cellos fill the halls of Lewis & Clark Middle. For seventh grader Vanessa Huett, the cello is a familiar tone.
“I’ve been playing the cello for nine years,” said Huett. “My mom started my older brother on the cello, and when I was three, I wanted to do what my older brother did.”
Years of hard work paid off for Huett. She and five other Omaha Public Schools students earned a seat in the Nebraska Music Educators Association 2024 All-State Middle Level Orchestra. Teachers recommended students, and they auditioned for the statewide honor.
“It makes me feel happy that I achieved something in my nine years of cello playing,” said Huett. “I think it says the district has a very developed and good musical system to teach kids how to play their instruments and how to continuously get better.”
More than 50 student musicians from Omaha Public Schools earned awards and recognition this fall. Honors include All-State Ensembles, Middle Level Orchestra and Chorus, and the National Honor Choir.
Sarah Stratton-Babb, Omaha Public Schools music teaching and learning consultant, achieved the Midwest Kodály Music Educators of America (MKMEA) 2024 Outstanding Administrator Award. She credits the hard work of students and staff for the high level of achievement.
“I am just so proud of the work that our teachers and our staff are doing every day in the schools to promote these experiences and prepare students,” said Stratton-Babb. “It's great to see our students achieving things on the state level and representing Omaha Public Schools in such a great way.”
In Rebecca Gibson’s choir rooms at Beals Elementary and Pinewood Elementary, nine students were selected to join the MKMEA Elementary Honor Choir. This opportunity unites students from across the region to perform with other young musicians.
“It’s exciting to watch them realize there are kids from all over who want to sing and how fun it is to sing together,” said Gibson. “It feels good as a teacher to know they’re enjoying what they’re doing and experiencing different things.”
Beni Tshimuanga, a sixth grader at Beals Elementary, is among the 100 students to join the honor choir. Although she was nervous about joining, she knew it was something she wanted to do.
“I wanted to know how it felt to sing in front of a crowd and hear other people sing with their amazing voices,” said Tshimuanga. “I just love singing, and it was cool to share my experience with other students.”
These achievements highlight the strong music programs in the Omaha Public Schools. Families can learn more about music opportunities at their school.
“We have such amazing, talented students and teachers in this district,” said Stratton-Babb. “What I love so much about students getting these chances to participate is then they go back to their schools, and it helps other students realize that they could do these things, too.”
Nov. 2024
