4 March 25, 2011 Sparks

Three singers make All-State Honors Choir

By Alexis McIntosh
Nathan Kistler, (11)
Samantha Kamber (11) and
Elena Zelinko (12) have been
chosen for Michigan’s All-
State Honors Choir.
In the process, they
auditioned for State-Honors
Choir. Out of 5,000 that
auditioned, only 300 made it
to State. Those 300 had to
audition once more for All-
State and 200 had to be cut.
Only 100 students from all
around the state made the All-
State Honors Choir.
Nathan Kistler (11) “I made so many friends through the pursuit of
music. I will probably know these people for the
rest of my life because they made such an
impact on me because we share a common
interest: music.”
Samantha Kamber (11) “State honors choir was amazing. I loved the
director, the music, the friends I made, and most of
all, the concert on the last day that brought all of
the choir’s music to life. It was hard, but if you are
dedicated and ready to learn, I would suggest
trying out for the state honors choir. I can’t wait for
All-State to come!”

Choir Director Kathy Cunningham
“I was very proud to have three of our GHS
students rehearse, audition, and perform with
the amazing state honors choirs at MMC. We
have not had students continue to all-state
honors choir for years. I am thrilled that
Nathan, Sam, and Elena were selected. It’s a
testament to their talent and hard work.”
Elena Zelinko (12) “You know that feeling when you have butterflies in your
stomach, but you’re still excited to be there? Well, that’s what I
felt while I was in Grand Rapids. It was such an honor to be
able to participate in this breathtaking experience. Every single
person in that rehearsal room was there for a reason. These
were the people who found most dedication and passion for the
music. It seemed to me that everyone there felt like they were
home and this is where they belong. It was just a blast!”

Musicians excel in Solo/Ensemble and District performances

By Penny Price
On Saturday, February 5, the GHS Band performed in 12
events at the MSBOA District 9 Solo and Ensemble Festival
held at Beaverton High School. Some members worked on
solos others worked on duets, trios, quintets, and octets.
Solo and Ensemble is where students perform for construc-
tive criticism and a rating from judges. They spend hours
upon hours practicing and preparing their music outside of “Solo and Ensemble was
class. a lot of fun this year!
All events that earn a first division rating qualify for the Many groups went, but
State Solo and Ensemble Festival which will be held at
CMU on Saturday, March 26. Earning first division ratings only four groups received
were Andrew Anderson (11), Andrew Good (14), Julie Lester the highest ranking. It
(13), Nikki Matthews (13), Chris Richard (11), Molly Smith was another bonding
(13), Desirae Taylor (11), and Sam Woodbury (13) for their
percussion ensemble; Ashley Blackburn (14) and Katie experience for us.”
Loesel (14) for their flute/clarinet duet; Brittney Roggow ~Katie Loesel (14)
(12), Andrea McAulay (11), Hannah Zelt (14), Ashley
Blackburn (14) and Marena Dassay (12) for their clarinet Katie Loesel (14) and Ashley Blackburn (14) perform their duet for
quintet; Zack Manning (12), Kellie Dixon (14) and Greg the judges at Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Curtis (12) for their trombone trio.
Earning second division ratings were Brittany Roggow
(12) and Nettie Richard (13) for their clarinet/flute duet;
Earning a second
Brittney Roggow (12), Amber Slusser (13), Marena Dassay
division rating is
(12) and Ashley Blackburn (14) for their clarinet solos;
Brittney Roggow
Marena Dassay (12) and Andrea McAulay (11) for their (12) on her solo.
clarinet duet; Alex Gamicchia (13) and Christian Allen (13)
for their flute duet; Cullin Morgan (13) for his trumpet solo.
On Saturday, February 26, the band performed on stage
at Lincoln-Alcona High School for the MSBOA District
Band Festival Gladwin. The high school band earned Band seniors in front of
straight ones, the highest rating for the stage performance. the “straight-ones”
The next step for the band is the State Band Festival which scoreboard at District
will be held in April. Festival.