Students on Doane Band Tour post for a group selfie (left). Senior Jaron Brown and junior Kidyn Timms test out the drums and guitar at one of the group’s stops (right).
The season for music ensemble tours is up and running with Doane Concert and Jazz Band only just having returned from their tour and Doane Choir preparing to leave for theirs.
Director of Instrumental Music Andrew Feyes led a group of 46 to Cleveland, Ohio stopping at high schools along the way.
The Doane Band Tour was held from Jan. 11 to Jan. 18, performing for five high schools before a home concert back at Doane. The band performed at schools in Nebraska as well as schools in Ohio.
“The 2024 Band Tour was a great success. Tours are always special because they create unique performance and bonding opportunities for our students,” Feyes said.
In addition to showcasing Doane with a series of “strong” performances, according to Feyes, students also had the opportunity to bond through music.
Feyes said that a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Orchestra performance broadened their musical horizons.
Despite the cold and snow along the trip and the rescheduling of the final home concert, Feyes believes that the students represented Doane well.
Doane Band is not the only ensemble that gets to travel while sharing music.
Doane Choir is in the midst of preparing for their upcoming tour traveling through Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas and Oklahoma. They will give six formal performances in addition to some informal performances as well.
Director of Choral and Vocal Activities Kurt Runestad works to get students unique signing experiences during the tour. For example, this year they will be performing in a large cathedral that has a unique echo when signing.
The tour will take place Feb. 7 through Feb. 12. Music tours are significant because they allow students to grow together musically and as a group, according to Runestad.
When Runestad speaks with alumni it is always the music tours that remain their treasured memories.
“Travel with people you love singing music you have in your heart, mind, and spirit, makes touring so special. I’m grateful for all the experiences we share on tour and we return a better choir in every way,” Runestad said.
In addition to the countless hours that musicians put in for these tours to prepare there are so many other people that help make these tours happen.
“It takes a village,” to have these tours every year and the Music Department is thankful for all those who make it happen.
Students can see the final home concert for the Choir Tour on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in Heckman Auditorium.
