October 28, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska
The Barton Community College Music Department will host area music educators and their ensembles for the “KS 250 Music Project” concert at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Great Bend City Auditorium, 1214 Stone St.
The collaborative performance will include “We Declare Independence!” which was written exclusively for this occasion by Kansas composer Scott Freeby to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This is a cross-curricular project, including music, history, and theater.
Barton Director of Instrumental Activities, Jamie Minneman said the project is an opportunity to commemorate the historic anniversary while strengthening connections among area music programs. Participating high schools and middle schools include Larned, Otis-Bison, and Hoisington.
“This is a unique opportunity to bring musicians from across our region together,” she said. “We want area students to share and experience the excitement of performing in a large ensemble while celebrating this historic milestone and the strong tradition of music education we have here in Kansas.”
For more information, contact Minneman at (620) 792-9396. Visit music.bartonccc.edu to learn more about Barton’s Music Program.