Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Whitehall headed to district music festival

Whitehall High School Choir and Band Members will be competing April 13 and 14 at the District Music Festival in Anaconda.

Musical Director Janet Heilig usually begins preparing students for the festival at the end of January, the beginning of the second semester.

"However, I begin my preparation in October by choosing music for the larger groups when I am at convention. I also begin a list of solo possibilities for specific students," she said.

While music students are required to participate with their performing group (band or choir), Heilig said preparing a solo ensemble is their choice.

"It is interesting that one of the main reasons students give for making this choice is because it's fun. They also say it is very nerve wracking, but when it's over and they realize they have overcome their fear and accomplished a polished performance, that's the fun," she said.

Students performing solos or duets this year include Anna Nelson, Maggie Whitehurst, Katie Whitehurst, Alexys Mercer, Isabo Brookins, Hannah Tebay, Austin Schwab, Alicia Konold, Kendra Klapan and Ashlynn Ellison.

"This is the time of year I spend a lot of time with the high school music students...maybe as much as their parents. We all get some very good bonding time and togetherness. Being the only teacher in a K-12 school, the music festival is also a time for me to collaborate, watch and learn from my colleagues. That is fun for me," she said.

 

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