RPAC West Band Concert

RPAC West Conference Band Members perform their three combined songs. Photo by The Times-Republican Staff

By The Times-Republican Staff

Trenton, Nebraska. For many in music performance when the Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions hit, that was the “day the music died” temporarily.  For clinician, Christopher Waddel as well as countless other conductors and musicians around the world performances and even practices were put on hold indefinitely.  His High School band just outside of Omaha, Nebraska in Yutan has not been allowed to even practice together for a full year. Christopher was happy that his band was able to start up last Monday.  With bands unable to perform at games, State tournaments, and concerts, music programs and musicians have suffered during this past year.  Each school (Hayes Center, Hitchcock County, Southwest, Dundy County-Stratton, and Wauneta-Palisade) performed individually and then came together for their combined band songs.  For this clinic they worked all day on three pieces.  Aggresivo, arranged by Randall D. Standridge was just as the title suggests, a bold and lively piece of music.  

A Million Dreams (from The Greatest Showman), arranged by Michael Brown, is a popular melody from the movie about building a circus from the ground up.  This dreamy song was the perfect follow up to the first piece.  The last song was called The Wellerman. It is a New Zealand folk song that was arranged by the clinician himself, Christopher Weddel.  This tune started out with the percussion line using a large chain as an instrument to create a unique start to this folk song.   

In addition to teaching in Yutan, the Christopher is an avid composer/arranger, clinician, adjudicator, and participant in several area community bands. According to his bio, "As a composer, Christopher debuted his first major work for wind band for the Nebraska State Bandmasters Conference in 2017, and as a performer, his travels have included performances throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Mexico, and most recently Christopher has returned from Saint Louis where he was a guest artist for Saint Charles Ambassadors of Harmony Chorus. He is an enthusiastic soccer fan and considers himself part of the Portland Timbers Army. Christopher and his wife, Amanda, and son, Theodore currently reside in Omaha, NE."

A thank you to Ms. Allen, Hayes Center Band instructor for her work with the young musicians and the opportunity to be a part of the day.