The music department received straight I ratings at State Large Group contest on April 14 in Colby.

Chamber Singers, orchestra, band and Concert Choir each received I rating from all of the judges that viewed the performances.

Chamber Singers performed first during the day. Sophomore Dusty Schneider is a member of the Chamber Singers group.

“My favorite song that we performed today is ‘Wayfaring Stranger’,” Schneider said. “The drums are awesome and we all come in at different times. Our group sounds amazing during this song.”

Junior Kristen Nease said she is proud of how the Chamber Singers performed.

“We all did really well,” Nease said. “My favorite piece was ‘Wayfaring Stranger’. It was hard, but we sound great in it.”

Following the Chamber Singers, orchestra performed under the instruction of orchestra teacher, Joan Crull.

Sophomore Trinity Callis is the first violinist for the HHS Orchestra.

“‘Adventure on Bane Bridge Island’ was my favorite song we performed,” Callis said. “I had a solo in it, and I also like the faster paced songs that we did.”

Band performed under the instruction of band teacher, Matt Rome.

Junior Quin Buffington is a percussionist in the HHS Band.

“I enjoyed performing at state,” Buffington said. “I think we definitely deserve the I ratings we received. We worked really hard to achieve what we did.”

Freshman Brittany Park is a member of Concert Choir, which also performed at state on April 11.

“‘Ballad to the Moon’ is my favorite piece we sing,” Park said. “It’s such a gorgeously simple piece. I think the judges really liked it.”

Park added that she is excited for future concerts.

“We all bond so much after something like this,” Park said. “It’s nice to have an outlet for all of our work.”

17aweber@usd489.com