The Tradition Continues
Middle School Blue and Gold Choir Receives Superior Rating
For the fourth straight year the Wahoo Middle School Blue and Gold choir received a Superior rating at the Bishop-Neumann Music Contest. A Superior rating (or I) is the highest rating given at music contests. The Choir sang for three judges, all of whom rated the choir Superior.
"We sang better this year than last year, and we sang more difficult music," Mr. Jason Stevens, the middle school vocal director, said. "I wasn't always sure we were going to pull off a I, but in the last two weeks the students really focused and worked hard. That made all the difference."
Hard work and practice paid off for some vocal soloists as well. Five soloists sang for judges on Saturday. All of the soloists received a Superior rating. Four of the five singers had never sung a solo at contest before.
"It's very hard to get up there all by yourself and sing. I respect their courage," Mr. Stevens said. "I thought the judges' comments were very appropriate. Now the students can take those comments and continue to improve."
D. Shukis received a I+, A. Kobold and J. Dobesh received a I, and C. Havelka and J. Nelson received a I-.
The vocal small groups also did well. The judging seemed to be more strict for this group. "Sometimes we just don't give our best performance at contest," Stevens said. "I know that some of these groups could have gotten a Superior on a different day."
B. Seimer / B. Sterup (I-)
B. Barker / J. Vermeline / C. Clifford (II+)
B. Rockwell / W. Jelinek / V. Jonas (I-)
C. Havelka / C. Holm (II)
J. Nelson / E. Smith (II)
K. Smith / K. Luers (I+)
Instrumentalists also participated in the Neumann contest. Several small groups and soloists played for the judges. Several of these students were looking to improve their performance from the Malcolm music contest from last Friday.
A. Thomsen Piano (I)
T. Kavan Alto Sax (I-)
J. Bartek Tenor Sax (I)
A. Thomsen Flute (I)
J. Nelson Oboe (I)
C. Collins Clarinet (II)
H. Manko Flute (I)
B. Tyler Flute (I)
C. Holm / C. Havelka Clarinet Duet (I)
J. Tenopir Trumpet (I)
Gulickson / Nielson / Mitchell Snare Drum Trio (II)
M. Calfee Snare Drum (I)