Community Engagement

Heartland Community Flute Choir

Directed by Dr. Christine Beard

Since its inception, the Heartland Community Flute Choir (HCFC) has captivated audiences across the state with its enchanting sonorities and diverse repertoire which has included four world premiere performances of new arrangements and new commissions for flute choir. The HCFC gives an average of four local concerts in and around Omaha each year, and selected performances throughout the country. In 2011, the HCFC embarked upon their first European tour to Amsterdam, Belgium and France which included a personal tour of Eva Kingma’s flute workshop in the Netherlands, and concerts featuring piccoloist Peter Verhoyen in Belgium.

You may find additional information about the Heartland Community Flute Choir by visiting us on Facebook or by contacting the director, Dr. Christine Beard, by email at cbeard@unomaha.edu. For more information about Woodwinds at UNO, please visit the Woodwind Area page.

Omaha Area Youth Orchestra

The Omaha Area Youth Orchestras (OAYO) was established in 1958 and consists of six ensembles that provide instruction and performance opportunities for over 550 students each season. OAYO participants range in age from eight to 18 and are from over 100 schools and 20 schools districts in the Omaha Area.

All of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra programs are designed to enhance the lives and musical abilities of youth in a group setting that also builds leadership skills, fosters discipline, and develops educated listeners and future arts supporters.

Although only some of these students will become professional musicians, all of them are provided with the skills to enjoy a life of active participation in the arts as volunteers, teachers, and concert attendees. The Youth Symphony, Philharmonic, and Chamber Ensembles all rehearse at UNO.

Learn more about the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra.