Forty-two students from the music program went to state at Central Washington University on April 26 and 27, competing in 12 categories and placing in multiple. They competed against schools of various sizes and divisions, as musical competitors aren’t split up based on school classifications. Nevertheless, SHS took home two first-place trophies, two second-place trophies, one third-place trophy, ten Superior ratings, and two Excellent ratings.
SHS principal Jake Tyrrell watched the choir ensembles perform on April 26. “It’s incredibly moving,” he said. “They don’t sound like high school students; they sound like a college choir.” He said there was a crowd of people waiting to watch and support SHS students.
The band and choir programs each have many years of state championship placements behind them. Students placed in multiple categories at state last year, including the treble choir placing first, the tenor-bass choir securing second. Senior Ben Hegge took home first for his snare drum solo and senior Adrian Ragil placed second for his mallet solo.
SHS choir director Kasey Eck and band director Matthew Vegh expressed their pride in their students. “I’m really proud of them, more of their connection with each other than just the results,” said Eck.
For the seniors, this was their last time competing in a state championship for the SHS music program. Senior Susan Anderson, a member of Chamber Choir and part of multiple groups which placed at state, is very sad to leave the choir program she’s been a part of for all four of her high school years. “It’s like a giant family,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to have such a close bond with people you get to sing with.”
To the graduating seniors in the music program, Vegh said, “Don’t forget how successful you were as a result of your efforts.”
The Chamber Choir will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 1, where all other performing choirs will be college level or above. The last local concert for band and choir will be happening June 4 in the SHS gym, and the combined and Chamber choirs will also be singing at
