Nebraska Class B All-State Band Features World Premiere

O'Neill High School students participate in prestigious annual event

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:45pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school marching band performance, with the musicians and instruments fractured into overlapping planes of bold, vibrant colors.The Nebraska Class B All-State Band concert showcases the state's top young musicians in an avant-garde visual interpretation.O'Neill Today

Eight band members from O'Neill High School traveled to Grand Island Northwest High School on March 28th to rehearse and perform in the 20th annual Nebraska Class B All-State Bands. The Symphonic Honor Band was directed by Phil Goddard, while the Wind Ensemble was under the direction of Dr. Andrew Feyes from Doane University. The Wind Ensemble premiered a new work by Nebraska composer Larry MacTaggert titled 'On The Platte', and the Symphonic Band also performed one of MacTaggert's compositions.

Why it matters

The Nebraska Class B All-State Band is a prestigious annual event that showcases the top high school musicians from across the state. Participation is highly competitive, and being selected is a significant achievement that highlights the quality of O'Neill's music program and the dedication of its students.

The details

Five O'Neill High School students - Jailyn Romesser, Celia Mott, Kaitlyn Hinrichs, Wade Krysl and Sophie Steele - performed in the Symphonic Honor Band. Three other O'Neill students - Riley Roessler, Hailey Romesser and Logan Bradshaw - were part of the Wind Ensemble. Two additional O'Neill students, Suhani Chaudhari and Alex Otte, also qualified but were unable to attend.

  • The event took place on Saturday, March 28th, 2026.
  • The Wind Ensemble premiered a new work by Nebraska composer Larry MacTaggert titled 'On The Platte' during the concert.
  • The Symphonic Band also performed one of MacTaggert's compositions, 'Sunset On The McConaughy'.

The players

Phil Goddard

Retired band director from Milford, who directed the Symphonic Honor Band.

Dr. Andrew Feyes

Director of bands at Doane University, who directed the Wind Ensemble.

Larry MacTaggert

Nebraska composer who was commissioned to write 'On The Platte', which the Wind Ensemble premiered, and whose work 'Sunset On The McConaughy' was performed by the Symphonic Band.

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What they’re saying

“These amazing musicians had a wonderful day creating wonderful stories with their music.”

— Larry MacTaggert, Composer

The takeaway

The participation of O'Neill High School students in the prestigious Nebraska Class B All-State Band event highlights the strength and quality of the school's music program, as well as the dedication and talent of its young musicians. The world premiere of a new work by a renowned Nebraska composer further underscores the significance of this annual event.