• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Generous gift helps Elkhorn create a legacy of music

Photo

Photo by Terry Mayer

General music teacher and band director Cara Anderson looks over seventh-grader Alex Beatovic’s work during class Tuesday at Elkhorn Area Middle School. A large donation to the district for music programs has allowed the installation of music labs like this one and increased participation by general music students — those who aren’t in the band or choir. Terry Mayer/staff photo.

ELKHORN — Only participation can foster true appreciation. A generous donation has helped increase the former, while instructors in the Elkhorn Area School District’s music department are seeing — and hearing — the latter.

Steve Simonson has directed the middle school choir for 30 years, and he can’t say enough about the opportunities such a gift presents to teachers and students alike.

“About 4 1/2 years ago, we got word that somebody was interested in donating a large sum to our music department, and we met with (District Administrator) Greg Wescott and put a proposal together to decide the best way to serve the kids throughout the district,” Simonson said. “The funding would provide $100,000 per year for three years, so we started with the elementary schools the first year, middle school the second and then high school.”

The new effort is geared to general music students — those not in band or choir — who have enjoyed and benefited from attending concerts and performances such as a production at the Fireside Dinner Theatre. But the largest chunk of the donation has gone to music labs.

Kirt and Dixie Fiegel, Elkhorn natives and admirers of the arts, are the ones who made it all possible. Kirt Fiegel said he and his wife have strong musical backgrounds, and they simply wanted to give back ... CONTINUED