OSMOND — Osmond Community School presented two concerts last week and filled the air with music. The school also received the 2025 NebraskArts award, which honors two Nebraska schools each year which support and encourage achievement in the media arts, visual arts, dance, music, or theatre.
Elementary Concert
The Osmond Community School elementary grades filled the air with music at the spring concert on Tuesday, April 29, in the school gym.
To begin the evening, students showed off their instrumental chops. The fifth grade band played two songs: “What A Wonderful World” and “Crazy Crocodile.” The sixth grade band followed with “All Star” and “Meant To Be.” The fourth grade then played two songs on their recorders — “Ode To Joy” and “Lightly Row.”
It was then time for the students to use their voices, with the kindergar- ten and first grade students starting off that portion of the concert. They sang three songs: “Play Another Happy Song,” “Kindness Is Free” and “Don’t Sit Still.”
The second and third grades were next with “On My Way,” “Count On Me” and “Clap Your Hands.” The fourth, fifth and sixth grades came together for “Celebration,” “The Middle” and “A Sky Full Of Stars.”
As the grand finale, the kinder garten through sixth grade mass choir came together for “Where Our Dreams Begin,” featuring Caydence Vaughn, Winter Wiseley, Amberlin Marks and Rylan Gansebom.
The students were directed by Christalin Ginn and Vanessa Steinkraus.
Pops Concert and Arts Award On Friday, May 2, the 7-12 instrumental and vocal ensembles presented their May Pops Concert. In addition, students’ artwork was on display. To begin the evening, Lance Nielsen, executive director of Nebraskans for the Arts (NFTA), presented the NebraskArts award to Osmond Community School for its representation in vocal and instrumental music, art, speech and one-acts.
In his presentation to Osmond Community School, Nielsen said, “You have offered a high quality arts education to all K-12 students including general music, vocal, and instrumental music, visual arts, speech and one-act. One nominator had this to say, ‘Osmond Community School realizes how important the arts are in a well-rounded education which in turn leads to successful adults. I believe the dedicated teachers in our arts programs have played a huge part in our student’s successes after their time at Osmond Community School. The arts have always been a source of pride to Osmond.’ It was obvious in your application that you consistently work to grow and create new opportunities for students through the arts.
Nielsen then pointed out Osmond’s dedicated arts teachers: Vanessa Steinkraus, elementary music teacher; Jessica Evans, art teacher; Robin Wagner, one-act coach; Patricia Marks, one-act and speech coach; Christalin Ginn, band and choir.
He continued, “Osmond Community School’s commitment to fostering a sense of community is commendable and it speaks to your generous spirit and commitment to arts education.”
Following the presentation, the 7-12 treble choir took the stage with “Dance The Night,” followed by the junior high choir with three songs: “Humble And Kind,” with solos by Alyvia Koehler, Nevaeh Newton, Clara Steinkraus, Katarina Miller, Aubree Erickson and Kayleigh Bolz; “All Is Found,” and “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”
The 7-12 bass choir was joined by some surprise guests — some of the dads — who helped out with their voices and, in one case especially, enthusiasm for “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll,” to the great enjoyment of the MUSIC FILLS THE AIR AT SPRING CONCERTS audience.
Middle pictures are from 4th-6th performance of "Celebration" (left) and at right, the 2nd-3rd chorus. Bottom picture is the K-1st grade performance. See more pictures on Page 5. Robin Wagner | Osmond Community School
The senior high mixed chorus sang several songs: “Die With A Smile,” “Just The Way You Are” and “Viva La Vida.”
It was then time for the instrumental portion of the evening, with the junior high concert band up first. According to Mrs. Ginn, the students help decide which songs to play for the Pops Concert, and they decided that one of the songs should be one they learned for fifth grade band: "Creepy Crawlies."
In addition, they played “Fancy Like,” “Dynamite” and “From Now On.”
The jazz band was included in the concert this year and played two songs: “Feeling Good” and “Shallow.”
The senior high concert band was up next. They performed “Mama Mia,” “Lord Of The Rings” and “Star Wars: Phantom Menace.”
The evening concluded with the full 7-12 band performance of “Moana.”
Mrs. Ginn commented, “I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of such a supportive team and school regarding the fine arts programs. I know that I should consider it a great blessing to be surrounded by fellow teachers, administrators, community members, and students who value the arts at an exceptional level. This award shows that Osmond knows the "fine arts" way and is dedicated to providing high-quality education and experiences involving the arts, and for that, I am so thankful to work here.”
Artwork was on display during the concert
The junior high choir sang several selections
The 7-12 bass choir was a big hit as several dads joined the group for “Old Time Rock ’n’ Roll
Music director Christalin Ginn gave a shout-out to the seniors in band and choir
Erin Wagner played guitar as part of the jazz band
The 7-12 band closed out the evening with “Moana”
Katarina Miller was one of the junior high soloists
