Saturday, February 21, 2015

Exeter-Milligan Update: Third Grade Happenings


The Exeter-Milligan 3rd grade has been busy learning about matter and chemical changes in science.  We did an experiment using pennies and vinegar.  Pictured is the class holding their sheets to record their findings as well as their pennies in vinegar.  They are very interested in seeing what happens to their pennies!


Pictured are:
Front L-r: Josh Meyer, Trenton Vossler, Savannah Horne, Troy Kallhoff, and Savana Krupicka.
Back L-R: Dravin Birkes, Taylor Pribyl, Tyler Due, Andrew Vavra, Draven Payne, and Devin Harrison



Friday, February 20, 2015

Exeter-Milligan Students Participate in Honor Bands



Jordyn and Trystan Brandt, of Exeter-Milligan High School, have had busy schedules this winter, as they attended several college honor bands.  Jordyn, a Senior flutist, attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Winter Festival for Winds and Percussion, held Jan. 23- 25, on the UNL campus.  Students attended from several states.  Activities during the festival included: music scholarship auditions, masterclasses with professors, lectures, faculty and student recitals, and chamber ensemble workshops.  On Saturday night, a Festival Banquet was held at the Holiday Inn.  Following the banquet, a chamber ensemble recital was held.  Each festival participant was assigned to play in a quartet or quintet group.  Jordyn performed flute with the top ranked finale ensemble, the Great Plains Woodwind Quintet, which also featured an oboe, a clarinet, a bassoon, and a French Horn.  They were coached by Dr. John Bailey, professor of flute.  Afterwards, a reception was held with the faculty.  The final concert was held, on Sun. Jan. 25, at Kimball Recital Hall.  The conductor was Carolyn Barber, Director of Bands at UNL.  In addition to performing with the Honors Wind Symphony, the high school students also combined with the UNL Wind Ensemble and played together as the Festival Symphonic Band.  Jordyn was honored to hold the first chair, Flute I position.  On Mon. Jan. 26, Jordyn and Trystan traveled to Kearney to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney Honor Band and Choral Festival.  Three choirs and two bands performed during the concert.  Both Jordyn and Trystan performed in the Honor Band which was directed by Dr. David Bierman, Director of Bands at UNK.  Students attended the festival from Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa.   Next, Jordyn and Trystan went to Wayne State College, on Sat. Jan. 31, for the Wayne Festival of Honor Bands.  Three honor groups perfomed during the concert, including a Jr. High Honor Band.  Trystan, a Sophomore,  performed trumpet with the Symphonic Band, directed by Brad Weber, professor at WSC.   Jordyn performed flute with the Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. David Bohnert, Director of Bands at WSC.  Jordyn has been selected to play with this group all four years of high school.  This year, she held the first chair, Flute II position.  The festival also featured a performance by WSC students.  Participants attended the festival from Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.  Feb. 5-7, Jordyn attended the Hastings College Honor Band Festival.  Participants had the opportunity to take part in masterclasses with professors, meet with faculty, and attend faculty and student recitals.  The concert included performances by the Honor Choir, Honor Orchestra, and Honor Band.  The Honor Band was conducted by Dr. Michael Knight, professor at St. Norbert College in DePere, WI.  Jordyn was honored to hold the first chair, Flute I position.  Finally, Jordyn attended the Nebraska Wesleyan University Honors Festival, Feb. 12-14.  Jordyn was chosen to also perform on piccolo.  Participants had the opportunity to audition for music scholarships and attend a luncheon and a reception with faculty.  The concert included performances by the Honor Choir, Honor Orchestra, and Honor Band.  The Honor Band was conducted by Dr. Jermie Arnold, professor at the Bob Cole Conservatory in Long Beach, CA.  Students attended from Nebraska and Iowa.  Participants for all of the honor festivals were selected by recorded auditions.


Congratulations to the Class D All-State band members: Jordyn Brandt, Alexis Uldrich, Ella Wilkins, Kaitlyn Vavra, Ashley Benorden, Amber Pribyl, Trystan Brandt, Haylee Sheffield, Samantha Horne, Maitlyn Thomsen, and Patrick Murphy.

Congratulations to the band members who were selected to the CRC Honor Band!  They are:  Jordyn Brandt, Ella Wilkins, Alexis Uldrich, Ashley Benorden, Kaitlyn Vavra, Madison Horne, Katherine White, Hannah Horne, Trystan Brandt, Amber Pribyl, Trever Zelenka, Caitlin Murphy, Haylee Sheffield, Samantha Horne, Maitlyn Thomsen, Nick Hayek, Patrick Murphy, Joel Klemm, Jack Dinneen, and Janey Due.
 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

E-M's Horne Chooses Concordia



Exeter-Milligan Senior Madison Horne signed a letter of intent to play college volleyball at Concordia University on Friday, February 13th.  She is surrounded by her parents Jim and Kristi Horne.  Behind her are Concordia Head Volleyball Coach Scott Mattera and Exeter-Milligan Head Volleyball Coach Darcy White.


Exeter-Milligan three sport standout Madison Horne is ready to take her volleyball skills to the next level at Concordia University.

The Timberwolf senior signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Coach Scott Mattera on Friday, February 13th. “I really liked Coach Mattera and am looking forward to playing with Claire (White) again.” 

Horne has a volleyball state championship under her belt, along with a runner-up and third place finish at the state meet.  “Our team plays really well together and I hope to bring that to the college level.  I think it will be a lot harder but hopefully I am prepared for it,” she explained.

Coach Mattera saw Horne at the volleyball camp Concordia hosted last summer, “She has great athleticism and versatility.  We really saw her step up in leadership and maturity.  Part of our attraction to athletes like Madison is her ability to play multiple positions.  She will be a defensive specialist for us but she can play libero if we need her to.”

“Horne comes from a good program.  She has been well coached by Coach White,” Mattera continued.
Coach Darcy White, whose daughter Claire plays for volleyball for Concordia is very familiar with the program, “Madison is going to be a fantastic addition to the Concordia team.  Her all-around skills will give her an advantage right away.  She is able to play any position, but her passing and setting skills will make her invaluable to their defensive scheme.”

White looks forward to watching Horne in the future, not only on the volleyball court but in life, “Young adults who have the ability to continue playing their sport enter college with a definite focus.  Not only are they going to get an education, but they have a built in family support system in their team.  As student athletes they not only have to learn to manage their time wisely but they have something more to motivate them.   Playing college volleyball (or any sport for that matter) is a huge commitment, and it takes a person with lots of determination and passion for the game to make it work.  I think Madison will be a huge success!”

Horne also looked at the option of an academic scholarship at UNL but decided that she wanted to take the opportunity to attend Concordia.  She has not decided on a major yet.