Today, the Omaha North Music and Drama Department is relatively small. According to Rose Rydberg, the North High Orchestra Director, there are currently 34 students enrolled in orchestra.

“While this is an increase from last year, it’s lower than in previous years,” said Rydberg.

Low enrollment in orchestra and other ensembles used to be unheard of. In fact, Omaha North’s music and theater programs were once one of the best in the metro.

In 1925, just one year after the school’s opening, Omaha North sported a 40-chair orchestra, a 60-person vocal choir, as well as a 19-person speech choir.

Under the guidance of Dwanye Ibsen, a drama teacher at North from 1966 to 1982, the theater program thrived, consisting of around 80 students. Additionally, there were almost 150 students involved in the music program during this time.

Omaha North’s large performing arts program had a profound effect on students. During Ibsen’s years at North, the drama department served as a unifying force between races during an otherwise tense time.

Additionally, individuals like Quiana “Q” Smith, a student from 1993-1995, cherished their involvement in the music program.

“We were much like a football team. Always rehearsing something or putting on some type of performance,” said Smith.

Smith learned a lot at North through her participation in the Madrigals singing group and several plays. These accomplishments jump-started her career as a Broadway performer. She has been a part of many productions including Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, and A Night with Janis Joplin.

Along with common music ensembles, Omaha North has sponsored many unique groups such a string quartet, a gospel choir, and singing groups the Madrigals and the Starlites, which were all extremely exclusive.

“They were constantly asked to perform for various organizations. The Madrigal Group was a coveted spot to have,” said Ibsen.

North High also used to have many special events and performances. The Aurora, first established in 1925, was named after Aurora Borealis, or the Northen Lights, which matched perfectly with North’s former mascot, the polar bear. The Aurora, which traditionally occurred in the spring, included all kinds of entertaining performances, such as swing choir, dancers, and even a high-kicking group.

Performing in the Aurora was a highly sought-after gig, and musical groups grappled for spots in the show. In 1960, 86 acts tried out for the Aurora, but only 37 were chosen for the final show.

The Aurora was also extremely popular among the students and faculty who attended. In 1938, the Aurora had to split into two shows to make room for the thousands who wished to observe the performance.

In addition to the Aurora, Omaha North had an autumn entertainment show. Originally named the B.E.S.T. show, it was later renamed The Fall Follies. In 1950, The Fall Follies sported 49 acts and drew thousands of students and teachers.

Omaha North did not just have a large arts program and many performances, they also had victories. The school won dozens of competitions and received awards for many of their shows.

In 1929, Omaha North performed the play Where the Cross was made, which won a competition at Midland College.

Additionally, Omaha North won more awards than any other school at the District Music Concert in 1937.

In 1970, the theatre students, led by Dwayne Ibsen wrote and directed an original play entitled Love Song to the Missouri. This production won multiple honors and was adapted to be performed outside of Omaha North.

“It won a National Freedom Foundation Award, a Standard Chemical Award, was transferred downtown to the Orpheum for a performance, and a one act version won the Acting Festival.  It was pretty amazing and so were the students,” said Ibsen.

The former arts program at Omaha North High School serves as inspiration for our present and future music and theatre groups. Even now, music directors are trying to increase involvement in their classes and clubs.

“We’re always striving to increase participation in orchestra and other musical activities. We encourage students to join and offer a variety of curricular and extracurricular opportunities,” said Rydberg.