With a breath, the music changes from symbols on paper to sound.

The members of the St. Mary's Central High School wind orchestra move through a prelude Tuesday morning.

At the end, director Bill Schmidt provides feedback. It was perfect.

They are ready for their performance Friday at the Leid Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. It's part of the North Central Music Educators National Conference. The St. Mary's orchestra is one of two bands performing. The University of Nebraska Wind Ensemble also will play.

"There is a long sense of tradition and continuity in the program," Schmidt said. "This is the next step. It is more difficult because it is a 10-state region."

The school sent an audition CD in May and competed against orchestras from 10 other states. They were notified in June that they were chosen. They started practicing by the end of the month.

"People were mad when we did summer rehearsals," but they were helpful, said senior Erica Hall, who plays a flute and piccolo.

They practiced in the evenings to avoid interrupting students' work schedules. It was the only way they would have been prepared for their performance this week.

"It gets old, but it's worth it for things like this," said junior Sarah Mahrer, who plays the bassoon.

They were leaving this morning for Lincoln. Their performance is 11 a.m. Friday and they return Saturday.

"I'm excited about the bus ride," Joel Porter said. He plays the french horn in the orchestra, and also plays the violin. The orchestra members will be riding a bus 12 hours with Schmidt and some school alumni. The school superintendent and principal are attending, with one flying down and one driving.

There are 59 members in the wind orchestra. There will be two soloists: Hannah Porter on flute, and guest tubist Bill Winkle, retired from Chadron State College in Nebraska. They will play seven pieces, including one with three movements.