Performers to place emphasis on 'Thanksgiving'

Performers at Saturday night's "The Sounds of Thanksgiving" clockwise, from upper left, will include Joyce Hershberger, Cheryl Christner, Jonathan Christner, Craig Kitt, Donnie McCorkle, Paul Wood, Gregg Dress, Phillip Clay, Joanne Wendelin, John Kool, Lonnie Weyeneth and Leanne Miller. (Courtesy photos) [Click to enlarge]

Mark Saturday, Nov. 28. 2009 on your calendars. It promises to be a special night in the musical history of Southwest Nebraska.

On that evening, 12 talented musicians from McCook, Danbury, Oberlin, Omaha and the New York City metropolitan area will combine to present a program of classical and semi-classical selections at McCook's historic Fox Theatre. The performance will be followed by a free reception for all performers and concert-goers.

Ticket sales have been brisk at the two advance ticket sale outlets Hershberger Music in McCook and the Wauneta Breeze in Wauneta. However, Brad Hershberger said he anticipates there will be tickets remaining for sale at the Fox Saturday night.

The ticket booth will open at 6:30 p.m., an hour in advance of the concert starting time. There are three ticket levels: Preferred seating, $25; general admission, $10; and children under 12, $5.

The special night was inspired by Craig Kitt, an accomplished pianist and organist from East Hampton, N.Y. Craig, a 1969 graduate of Wauneta High School, conceived the concert with Kathie Thomas McBride as a way to pay tribute to his piano teacher during his high school years, Joyce Hershberger of McCook.

Through the wonders of modern communication 4 most especially the Internet Craig's idea has grown into a many-splendored concert featuring the 12 musicians sharing their mastery of the piano, cello, violin, trumpet, trombone, flugelhorn, alto horn and euphonium.

"When I began casting nets for local musical performers in the Spring of 2009, I wondered what I would find," Kitt said. "Well, was I ever surprised! Who knew the McCook area had a brass ensemble, known as Capella Nova, as well as the amazingly talented Christner family and a young piano and trombone star, Phillip Clay."

In a series of e-mail and telephone contacts, Kitt convinced the Christners, Clay and Lonnie Weyeneth, Joanne Wendelin, Don McCorkle and Paul Wood of Capella Nova to join him and talented pair of Omaha musicians to present "Sounds of Thanksgiving."

"We are so blessed," the New York area pianist said.

"Gregg Dress, a trombonist, and John Kool, a trumpeter, are coming from Omaha to join the performance. I am also personally honored that Mrs. Hershberger will be joining me for two piano duets.

Kitt tells why. "I don't think the people in Southwest Nebraska fully realize Joyce Hershberger's piano lineage. She studied at the University of Colorado with Storm Bull, the chairman of the piano department. Storm Bull studied with Beta Bartok, a major 20th century composer I'm proud to be part of that. And, now, Phillip Clay, who is studying with Mrs. Hershberger, is a young, strong branch of that tree."

The concert musician join Kitt in praising the special evening. Gregg Dress, the Omaha trombonist, says, "The arts know no geographical boundaries. Hopefully, the performance will spark additional support and enthusiasm for the arts in communities, homes and families."

Cheryl Christner, a pianist from McCook, is sure that it will. "The variety of music in the concert is incredible. There truly will be something for everyone," she said.

John Kool, the Omaha trumpeter, is looking forward to participation in the Sounds of Thanksgiving event. The concert's music, he said, presents an opportunity "to celebrate what is good in our lives and to honor the contributions of a gifted pianist, Craig Kitt, and his teacher, Joyce Hershberger.

Phillip Clay, a 15-year-old McCookite, who is a talented pianist and trombonist, says it is an honor to be asked to participate. "What a privilege, he said, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to join such accomplished musicians as Mr. Kitt and Mrs. Hershberger.

The distinctions for the Sounds of Thanksgiving Concert do not end with the performers and their musical skills. On top of everything else, the concert has been honored by being chosen for a premiere presentation of a new arrangement of two classic hymns: "Be Still My Soul and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

Kitt has chosen the hymn arrangement, by Professor John Bartsch of Corban College & Graduate School in Salem, Ore., as the finale for the concert.

"It is a beautiful arrangement which lays wonderfully under the (pianist's) hands," Kitt said. "The arrangement will bring the concert to an explosive conclusion."

Minutes after the concert concludes, the Fox stage will be made ready for a reception featuring champagne, non-alcoholic sparkling punch and an array of sweet delicacies. The reception is being presented on Craig Kitt's behalf by Jennifer Allen and Kristi Clapp.

All net proceeds from the concert will benefit the Fox Theatre's restoration and renovation campaign.