The Burke High School Band took its talents to the South Dakota State Capitol on December 16th, delivering an exceptional performance. Under the direction of Mrs. Rachelle Stephens, the ensemble showcased their musical skill and hard work.
The Capitol rotunda provided a beautiful and stunning backdrop for the performance, which featured selections ranging from standard holiday classics to pieces from their recent Christmas concert. Titles included “Up on the Housetop,” “Jingle Bell Jam,” “Sing We Now of Christmas,” as well as “Legend of the Eagles,” “Snow Day,” and excerpts from the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Families, community members, and state officials gathered to enjoy the music and support the students.
Mrs. Stephens praised the band for their dedication in preparing for this opportunity. “My students put in hours performing and supporting many events, both locally and area-wide. Their commitment to excellence shone through during this performance. I am blessed with a tight-knit group of musicians,” she said. “This performance is a testament to the talent we have in our school.”
The Burke Band’s visit to the Capitol is part of a long-standing tradition of South Dakota schools and community groups showcasing their musical talent during the “Christmas at the Capitol” season. For many of the students, it was their first time performing in such a historic and revered location.
The Burke community has always taken pride in its music program, and this performance reinforced its reputation for fostering young talent. Congratulations to the Burke High School Band for representing the school and community so beautifully!