The Hastings College Bell Choir will appear in concert at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 6 in Perkins Auditorium. Professor of Music Dr. Byron Jensen will be conducting. This concert is free and open to the public.

The 19-member bell choir performs with five octaves of both bells and handchimes, and includes a variety of percussion and string instruments in its presentation. Some of the selections to be performed include “Dorian Dance” by Michael Joy, an eerily beautiful arrangement of “How Can I Keep from Singing” by Arnold B. Sherman, and “Pinnacle” by William Payne, which has quickly become one of the classics of bell choir literature.

Also on the program is Die Bachenglocken Quartet, a group of four Hastings College students who are performing two preludes from J. S. Bach arranged for bell quartet.

Since its inception in August 2003, the HC Bell Choir has completed several spring tours and held a workshop with renowned clinician and composer Kevin McChesney. The HC Bell Choir is the only bell choir to have been invited to perform at the Nebraska Music Educator’s conference.

Students in the 2010 Spring Semester HC Bell Choir are listed below and followed by their hometown, class and major.

Samantha Colbert - Weeping Water, Neb., Sophomore, Theater Arts and Music Performance (Vocal)
Bradley Copenhaver - Omaha, Neb., Freshman, Physics
Kathryn Cunningham - Norfolk, Neb., Junior, Psychology: Peace Justice, and Social Change 
Deann Duncan - Sterling, Colo., Junior, Music Education (Instrumental/Vocal) and Mathematics
Anna Harms - Wilcox, Neb., Sophomore, Music Education (Instrumental/Vocal)
Nick Henline - North Platte, Neb., Senior, Communication Studies              
Blake Holen - Oxford, Neb., Junior, Music Performance (Voice) and Theater                              

Hannah Jorgensen - Fairfield, Neb., Senior, Music (Collaborative Piano) 
Ashton Lambie - Lincoln, Neb., Freshman, Music Performance (Piano) and Piano Pedagogy 
Kara McIntire - Westminster, Colo., Junior, Music Education (Instrumental) 
Benji Pettiford - Lincoln, Neb., Senior, Music Performance (Piano)                                        Nicholas Raimondo - Columbus, Neb., Freshman, Music Performance (Piano)
Jensyn Rudolph - North Platte, Neb., Sophomore, Music Performance (Vocal) and Music Education
Kaitlan Scates - Omaha, Neb., Sophomore, Music Education (Instrumental and Vocal)  
Emily Spearman - Superior, Colo., Senior, Religion                                        
Devonee Thaxton - Aurora, Colo., Freshman, Music Education (Instrumental and Vocal)
Lindsey Thompson - Louisville, Colo., Senior, Music Education (Vocal)
Kelli VanMeter - Alliance, Neb., Freshman, Music Performance and Music Education (Vocal) 
Chris Work - Plattsmouth, Neb., Junior, Music Performance (Voice)/Music Education (Instrumental/Vocal)

The Music Department has established an enviable reputation throughout the Midwest for its quality programs, dedicated faculty and talented students. Hastings College's commitment to music is a proud tradition and offers a glimpse into a future where the arts will be an even more important part of the college program.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,150 students. Hastings College was named 75th Best Value College in the nation and #1 in Nebraska by Forbes.com and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. It was named a 2010 “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and rated a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

For more information, contact Byron Jensen at (402) 461-7361.