Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

On October 23, students from kindergarten to sixth grade at St. Wenceslaus School in Wahoo will present a fall vocal concert titled "Fall Celebration." The event will feature diverse music selections and Scripture readings.

Emily Nakayama, the new vocal music instructor at St. Wenceslaus since August, explained the theme: “While we celebrate the changing of the seasons, we also celebrate our never-changing God.”

The program includes a movement piece by second-graders for Vivaldi’s “Autumn” and two choral compositions by sixth-graders: “Peaceful” and “Yonder Come Day.” In anticipation of All Saints Day, students will perform “When the Saints Go Marching In,” along with traditional songs like “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and “I’ve Got the Joy.” Some performances will include xylophone accompaniment, while others will use recorded tracks or be performed a capella. Krista Braun will accompany most pieces on piano.

Nakayama described her process for selecting concert pieces: “I first look for songs that children will be motivated to perform and songs that I can teach through. I consider the difficulty level and if it’s appropriate for the students.”

This concert marks a departure from St. Wenceslaus School's usual December performance due to Nakayama's upcoming maternity leave. Principal Mike Weiss informed parents of this change last July to allow them to plan accordingly.

Weiss emphasized educating families about Catholic Holy Days amidst secular influences. He encouraged parents to choose Halloween costumes representing saints or wholesome characters and noted that saint bookmarks would be distributed during the parish "Trunk or Treat" event.

The fall concert serves as preparation for Halloween, All Souls Day, and All Saints Day. The school plans further activities throughout the year to observe other religious events like Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.

Weiss highlighted music education's importance: “Participating in music at a young age is so important,” he stated. He believes it fosters personal growth and confidence in various areas.

Nakayama agreed on music's significance: “If students don’t sing early in life, they probably won’t sing later,” she said. She sees arts as essential for community building and worship.

Whether this fall concert becomes an annual tradition remains undecided. Nakayama concluded: “As long as the children are progressing in their music education and love for music, I think I can make either one work.”