February 1, 2012

For Immediate Release

CANCELLED:  2012 Hastings College Honor Music Festival

Note to media: For additional information, contact the Hastings College Department of Music at (402) 461-7448.

(Hastings, Neb.) – Based upon the most recent forecast of the National Weather Service in Hastings, NE, the 2012 Hastings College Honor Music Festival scheduled for February 2, 3, and 4 has been cancelled.

Although travel to Hastings on Thursday, February 2 will most likely be possible, the predicted decline in weather on Friday through Saturday may present a variety of “less than favorable” conditions for travel.

“We regret that we are unable to provide this opportunity for students chosen to participate in the Honor Band, Honor Orchestra, and Honor Choir, but feel very strongly that concern for their safety far exceeds hosting the event,” said Dr. Robin Koozer, Chair of the Hastings College Department of Music.

A spirit of excellence has long been the hallmark of the Hastings College music experience. Hastings College students and faculty have been making music from the beginning of the College in 1882. Hastings College is recognized as a National Liberal Arts College in the U.S. News and World Report annual “America’s Best Colleges” issue and a Best Midwestern College by Princeton Review. The Hastings College Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and also was named an All-Steinway School, one of only 82 worldwide.

The Department of Music offers a full range of vocal and instrumental opportunities for all Hastings College students. Major ensembles and small groups travel regularly, making special appearances at music conferences, schools, and churches. Vocal ensembles at Hastings College include the renowned Hastings College Choir, Men’s Chorus, HC Singers (treble voices), Spectrum vocal chamber ensembles, along with other special smaller groups. Instrumental ensembles include the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band; Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Chamber Orchestra, Brass, and Percussion Ensembles, and the Bell Choir. The department serves as the permanent residence of the South Central Nebraska Children’s Chorale; the Nebraska State High School Honor Choir, Band, and Orchestra; and the Hastings Symphony Orchestra.

Music students can earn a Bachelor of Music degree with majors in applied performance, music education, and piano pedagogy. A Bachelor of Arts degree in music with an emphasis in performance, elementary education, music history or sacred music is also available. Hastings College offers a Master of Arts in Teaching with emphasis in music. In addition, the department sponsors student chapters of Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Music Educators National Conference, and Music Teachers National Association.

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