Charles City hosts final NEIC Honors Music Festival

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The weather was cold but the music was hot as students from five area schools came together for the final gathering of the Northeast Iowa Conference Honors Music Festival.

Band and choir students from Charles City, Crestwood, Decorah, New Hampton, and Waukon spent the day practicing a selection of songs ahead of an evening concert that marks the end of the NEIC as it nears its eventual dissolution.

“Tonight we’re here to celebrate everything the NEIC has to offer,” said Principal Levi Miller. “Never forget the profound impact it has on our lives.”

The concert began with the honor choir, who performed “Jubilate Deo,” “Hold Fast to Dreams,” “Esimano olya he,” and “Awake, My Soul” under the direction of guest conductor Mark Lehmann.

Lehmann complimented the work ethic of the choir students that spent the day learning their songs for the concert.

“They just buckled down and worked hard all day long,” said Lehmann. “You can’t ask for more than that.”

Following the choir, the honor band performed their own selection of pieces, “Chasing Sunlight,” “Old Churches,” “Appalachian Air,” and “March of the Arachnids,” under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Nolan Hauta, who likewise had nothing but praise for the students he worked with throughout the day.

“Thank you for letting me have a day with your young people,” said Hauta. “What a great day for making music.”