More than 1,000 Omaha Public Schools students took the stage for the 75th Annual All-City Music Festival at the Holland Performing Arts Center in February 2025. See highlights of this memorable musical experience that brings together students in bands, orchestras and choirs across our district.
75 Years of Excellence: All-City Music Festival Alumni Look Back on Their Experience
"It's a really beautiful thing to see something that I remember so fondly thrive 75 years."
- Tom Jorgensen, Burke High Class of 2010
All-City Music Festival Celebrates 75 Years of Student Excellence
South High senior William Nommensen drags the bow along the strings of his cello, practicing the notes on the sheet music in front of him. After months of hard work, he joined his fellow performers on stage at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
"It’s all of the best musicians in our district coming together to play, and it’s fun to work with others so dedicated to their instruments.”
- South High senior William Nommensen
The All-City Music Festival Through the Years
Learn more about the history of one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in the country.
Composers Create Original Music for Milestone Event
Am're Ford and Marques L.A. Garrett, Ph.D., penned unique pieces written with Omaha Public Schools student musicians in mind.
"It's exciting to branch out, especially to learn from the person who's writing the piece and where they come from."
- Northwest High junior Robin Kinkaid
2025 All-City Music Festival Rehearsals
Students practiced their pieces individually before coming together in harmony during several rehearsals across our district.
From the Stage to the Classroom: Meet All-City Music Festival Alumni Who Now Work for Omaha Public Schools
"I'm just excited for them to get to experience what that feels like, to walk onto a professional stage and look out into the crowd and see hundreds of people in front of you."
- Debra Ramirez, Castelar & Pawnee Elementary Music Teacher