Sheldon, Iowa — Another high school extra-curricular activity has fallen victim to the pandemic.
According to Sheldon High School Band Director Cliff St. Clair, the Northwest Iowa Bandmaster’s Association Honor Band Festival has been cancelled for this year. St. Clair says an alternate date was explored, but found it was almost impossible to find a date that would work for everyone’s calendar. The festival was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 9th at Eppley Auditorium on the Morningside College campus in Sioux City.
St. Clair tells KIWA that four Orab musicians auditioned for the festival, with all four being accepted. Orab instrumentalists auditioning and being selected for inclusion in this year’s Northwest Iowa Honor Band include: Orab junior Bradi Dagel on alto saxophone, who was chosen for the first time; Senior Kellen De Kok on french horn, who was selected for the fourth time; Sophomore percussionist Kelsey McCuddin, who was accepted for the first time; and Junior Alex Van Surksum, who was accepted for the third time.
Accepted members will receive recognition, but not experience the rehearsals and performance, according to St. Clair, who says he hopes next year will return to normal.
