Honor musicians take the NPAC stage

This weekend is a busy one at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center and for high school honor musicians throughout the district. OMEA (Ohio Music Educators Association) District III presents its showcase of outstanding musicians this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Niswonger in Van Wert. The festival concert is open to the public for a nominal ticket fee.

The Niswonger has been pleased to host this outstanding musical event for the past several years. It is always well attended and is truly a showcase concert of jazz and concert bands and chorus.

Each year, for nearly 50 years, the Ohio Music Educators Association has presented a concert of highly qualified musicians throughout the district, which includes Van Wert, Paulding, Mercer, Auglaize, Mercer, Allen, Hancock and Hardin counties. That incorporates a lot of high schools and a lot of student musicians. District III has always boasted one of the finest festival concerts in all of Ohio. It attracts the finest student musicians (all auditioned) and some of the most outstanding guest conductors, who provide excellent musical experiences for those involved. Together, they also provide the audience with an exceptional concert experience.

This year, the concert band was to have been directed by Dr. Russell Mikkelson, director of bands at The Ohio State University.  With the Buckeyes’ recent victory over Alabama, setting up the national championship game this Monday in Dallas, Dr. Mikkelson had to cancel. He has been replaced by the very capable Jeffery Shellhammer, current lecturer at The Ohio State University and formerly Capital University, as well as having a distinguished public school teaching career in instrumental music.

Mr. Duane Davis is the guest choral conductor and comes from Western Michigan University and Grand Rapids Community College. I had the privilege of watching a portion of his rehearsal with the Honors Chorus this past Saturday and it was indeed a privilege. It seems there are far too few opportunities to sit and learn from someone who is so inspiring and educational. I told my wife that it was one of those times when you just shut up, listen and learn. You know when you are in the presence of a master. I am sure the students singing in the district chorus are in for an inspiring concert experience.

Van Wert County and City Schools will be well represented in this concert. A commendation should also go to Robert Sloan, director of bands at Van Wert High School, who organizes this big event each year. It is always well organized and receives comments of being one of the best run festivals in the state.

The Van Wert County Foundation Saltzgaber Music Hall usually fills up for this concert. Doors will open 30 minutes before the 3 p.m. concert. Lobby doors and access to tickets will be open by at least 2 p.m.  WTLW Channel 44 out of Lima will be on hand to broadcast the concert as well.

We are off at the Niswonger until January 25, when National Geographic prize-winning photographer Paul Nicklen comes to town to share his experiences in Polar Obsession — a topic which we will probably relate to quite well this month! Watch the media for some exciting announcements of some new events coming to the Niswonger in the near future. In the meantime, I’m off to NYC in search of some more talent for next year. I’ll see you in two weeks!

FINÉ.