The Nebraska Music Education Association (NMEA) announced students selected to participate in the 2025 Nebraska All-State Music Ensembles.
Among those from Wayne High School were Aidan Bohnert, who represented Wayne High on Trumpet in the 150-member All-State Band. Selected to the All State Choir were first year members Samantha Wright and Wanso Barner; second year member Landen Claussen; third year members Adrienne Anderson, Gavin Anderson, and Gabriel Armstrong and fourth year member Colby Raulston.
Each year over 2,000 of the best musicians in the state in grades 9-12 audition for placement in one of four available ensembles. Selection in one of these groups is one of the highest musical honors attainable in Nebraska.
These selected students took part in the 2025 Nebraska All-State Ensembles Nov. 20-22 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. They participated in several rehearsals with nationally recognized conductors during the NMEA Conference/In-Service Clinic. Each ensemble performed in concerts on Nov. 22 at the Lied Performing Arts Center.
Aidan Bohnert represented Wayne High on Trumpet in the 150-member All-State Band. He is a four-Year All-State participant (Chorus 1 year, Band 3 years) and was also selected as an alternate for the All-State Jazz Band.
"I am incredibly proud of Aidan’s continued effort and dedication to the All-State process throughout the years. It is a remarkable achievement that he has been selected to participate in both the All-State Chorus and Band. His commitment was especially evident this summer, where he demonstrated exceptional focus and determination in mastering the audition pieces for both the concert band and jazz band." said Band Director Alex Wieland.
Wayne High students selected to the 440-Member All-State Chorus included Samantha Wright, Wanso Barner, Landen Claussen, Adrienne Anderson, Gavin Anderson, Gabriel Armstrong and Colby Raulston.
"The final concert was even more special as Adrienne, Gavin, Gabriel, and Colby were each selected for solo opportunities. To have Wayne High singers hold four of the ten available solo spots was a tremendous honor after competing through several rounds of auditions, against singers from across the state and regardless of size of school. We couldn't be more proud of them and all of our Blue Devil musicians for their accomplishments!" said Vocal Director Tracy Anderson.
Selected students rehearsed a challenging repertoire in preparation for performing under the direction of two of the most prominent conductors in the United States: Colonel Don Schofield, Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force Band (Band) and Dr. Pearl Shangkuan, Professor Emerita of Music at Calvin University (Chorus).
