The student and community musicians who make up the Prairie Winds Concert Band at Barton Community College presented a musical tribute on 9/11. The program, originally set to take place outdoors, moved to the Fine Arts Auditorium due to Monday’s rain.

The band was led by Barton Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman. Musical selections paid tribute to all who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the emergency services personnel from that day and all those who continue to serve in that capacity today. 

All veterans were invited to stand as the band played a salute to the branches of service.

Minneman created the program as part of her involvement with the Saluting America’s Band Directors Organization, a group of musical directors from across the nation. The selections performed included some of the music members of the organization will play when marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Earlier that week, the group will perform at the 9/11 Memorial. Minneman will play alto saxophone. For more information on the Service Through Music Organization visit banddirectorsalute.org/service-through-music.

At the conclusion of Monday’s tribute, several community members, including college employees, stopped by to thank Minneman for the program.

“I realized recently that my students were not even born when this attack occurred,” Minneman said. “They have no idea what life was like before 9/11 – and those of us that lived through it will never forget that day. I felt it was important for them to experience just a little bit of what I am going to have the privilege of doing in November. I also want them to understand and appreciate the sacrifices that our first responders make every day.”

For more information about Barton’s instrumental activities contact Minneman at minnemanj@bartonccc.edu or 620-792-9396.