Band and Instrumental Music
Band and Instrumental Music
The Hastings College Band is one of the largest and most visible student organizations on campus — and it’s open to all students with no audition required to become a member. The band is an integral part of the Hastings College campus and community as a whole, with it and instrumental ensembles providing excellence in music at athletic, campus and community events. Plus, scholarships are available for active participants!
Members of the Hastings College Band are also members of the Marching Bronco Band.
Interested in a band scholarship at Hastings College?
Let us know by completing this form.
You may also contact Dr. Louie Eckhardt at leckhardt@hastings.edu for more information.
Additional Instrumental Groups
Marching Bronco Band
This is the most visible instrumental ensemble at Hastings College. Each fall the marching band performs at home football games and other athletic events on campus plus the annual homecoming parade. The marching band, which occasionally travels to performance events, is open to all students and no audition is necessary.
Colorguard
The Colorguard creates fun and compelling shows in partnership with the Marching Bronco Band. It’s open to all students and while previous experience is not necessary, it is helpful.
Wind Ensemble
This is our premiere wind band. Performing two concerts a year, this group has presented concerts in 26 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada! It has been the featured ensemble at Nebraska Music Educators Association meetings and Music Educators National Conference, and various special performances throughout the Midwest. The ensemble is open to all students but membership is determined each fall by a chair placement audition.
Symphonic Winds
The Symphonic Winds is our largest wind band. The ensemble includes students from all areas of study and is open to all students of Hastings College. Place is determined each fall by a chair placement audition.
Jazz Ensemble
This audition-only ensemble is open to all Hastings College students who are members of the band. The Jazz Ensemble enjoys a high demand for public appearances. The group performs two concerts on campus each year and hosts a Jazz Festival during the spring semester.
Handbell Choir
The Hastings College Bell Choir, a pioneer in Nebraska collegiate ensembles, rings with five octaves of Schulmerich bells and chimes. The choir performs on and off campus each semester, has participated in tours and workshops and is the only bell choir to have been invited to perform at the Nebraska Music Educators Conference. The director is Dr. Byron Jensen, bjensen@hastings.edu. Membership is open to all students.
Hastings Symphony
For more than 90 years, the Hastings Symphony Orchestra (HSO) has been the preeminent orchestral ensemble of South Central Nebraska. Often performing with renowned guest artists, this semi-professional ensemble performs six concerts annually. Open to talented Hastings College students by audition, the HSO features a wide array of musical styles. Membership inquiries are encouraged and should be made to conductor and artistic director Dr. Byron Jensen, bjensen@hastings.edu.
