Music is instrumental with one local teen

In most schools, students have the opportunity to begin learning a musical instrument in fifth grade.

Khyla Beale’s mom, great uncle, and aunt all played the clarinet; her grandma played the cornet; and an uncle played percussion. With a family history of playing instruments Beale chose the clarinet.

Her earlier and current music teachers have been an inspiration and held a significant role in Beale’s school music career by encouraging her to keep pursuing her musical ability and strive to do her best.

So far, Beale’s four years of band and music school career has been full of excitement and holds great experiences. Some of the events were overnight, and driving many miles to reach the competition destinations.

The District Music Competition, which was in Sutton in April, Beale competed in the following: choir solo, band solo, choir duet, and band duet. The choir duet and solo received an excellent rating. The band duet and solo received a superior rating.

Her band solo received an outstanding performance honorable mention. Sandy Creek School holds an awards ceremony each year in May, Khyla received the National Choral Award. This award symbolizes loyalty, commitment, and cooperation in the choir.

Beale’s band teacher, Mr Jacobs, invited her to take part in the Hamilton County Band. The ages of the band members range from 16 to 93. Most of the members are from Hamilton County, but some travel as far as Osceola, Gretna, and Clay Center.

Beale has tried to make every practice and performance. Most of the performances the band conducts are usually at nursing homes. The Hamilton County Band also performs at fairs and festivals which are usually in Aurora.

This year, the 2025 Nebraska State Fair was an extremely exciting and memorable time for Beale. The Hamilton County Band played on The Earl May stage Aug. 25, at the state fair.

Beale shared, “It was a very fun experience, and we had a decent-sized audience.”

Then, Sandy Creek Marching Band had the opportunity to march in one of the daily parades at the State Fair Wednesday, Aug. 27. Beale has been marching with the Sandy Creek band since in the seventh grade and enjoys every parade and marching competition.

Beale is currently a sophomore at Sandy Creek High School. She is planning to pursue a degree in Music Education.