Baue finishes Vikings music career on high note

WAUSA — Tyler Baue has had a noteworthy high school career, especially in music.

The Wausa High School senior has been involved in the Vikings’ music program for years, simply because he loves to sing and play his instruments.

“There is something so special about music - whether you’re playing or listening to it,” Baue said. “Music is something we all have in common and is a universal piece of art. I can’t imagine a world without singing, instruments, dancing, etc.”

He has been involved in at least one music class at school since kindergarten.

“I’ve had many music teachers since kindergarten, but nonetheless, I enjoyed every year of it,” Baue said.

He has been in both band and choir since fifth grade, and pep band since seventh grade.

“I enjoy pep band a lot because it combines two things I enjoy: being with friends and making music,” Baue said.

He started in band playing the alto saxophone, moved to the tenor saxophone, added the baritone sax and later learned the trombone.

“I’ve played all four of these instruments for pep band, concert band and marching band,” Baue said. “I know a little bit of the bass clarinet, also, but don’t play it as much anymore. I love learning how to play new instruments and diversifying my ‘band portfolio.’”

He described how his final Nebraska School Activities Association District Music Contest went representing Wausa. The 2022 event was hosted on April 22 by Hartington-Newcastle High School in Hartington.

“Being my fourth time performing at the district music contest, I wasn’t too nervous, but there were some nerves,” Baue said. “I received an excellent rating (II) in my vocal ensemble with the full choir and senior vocal ensemble, and a superior rating (I) in concert band; our saxophone quartet with Abrielle Nelson, Reghan Bloomquist and Kilee Thorell; and my alto saxophone solo.”

He noted the bittersweet feeling of attending his final district music contest as a high school student.

“I’m really going to miss being a part of the music program at Wausa and playing music with my friends,” Baue said. “I’ve gone to district music contests every year of my high school career, and they’ve all been so much fun.”

He explained he is going to miss making music with his friends at Wausa.

“A lot of my classmates are also in both band and choir with me, and it won’t be the same having them not perform with me at concerts or recitals,” Baue said. “We all enjoy music, and it’s something we can all bond over.”

He noted he plans to attend Wayne State College in Wayne in the fall and major in K-12 vocal and instrumental music education to one day become a music teacher.

“Music will, with out a doubt, always be in my future,” Baue said. “Maybe one day, I could come back to Wausa and become the next music teacher.”

He described the skills he has learned from music that he can apply to his life after high school.

“Music teaches us how to listen to others,” Baue said. “Music is a platform for people to express who they are and how they feel, and also gives insight into a variety of different cultures around the world.

“I turn to music when I hit a creative block, or need some inspiration/motivation,” he said. “Music has such an impact on everyone in a variety of ways, which is why I love it. Music is more than some lyrics behind a beat - it’s a story.”

He noted he is really proud of how well the Vikings’ band and choir students performed at the 2022 district music contest, and wants to thank those who supported him and his fellow music students in any way.

That includes music director Patricia Sedivy, who is planning to retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic year after a 43-year teaching career, including the past four at Wausa.

“I also want to thank Mrs. Sedivy for everything she’s done for the music program at Wausa,” Baue said. “Mrs. Sedivy started at Wausa when I became a freshman, so I’ve had her as my music teacher throughout high school.

“I’ve created a really special bond with her, and consider her to be a mentor and someone I look up to for advice and inspiration,” he said. “I will miss her very much.”