Music Moves to the Next Level

Written by Kristen Hogue 1/22/20

Music Moves to the Next Level

Eight Cranberry students traveled to the District 3 Chorus Festival at United High School in Armagh, Pennsylvania this past weekend to compete against several area schools.

Students selected by Cranberry Choir Director, Preston Yoder, included seniors Michael Gunn, Joe Gunn, Trevor Gladin, Trey Wright, Eben Wry, Chris Smith, Jenna Seigworth, Saige Slater, and Rachel Bell.

The most challenging part of Districts was, “preparing. There were a lot of late nights,” as said by Trevor Gladin, one of the students in attendance.

Rachel Bell, on the other hand, jokingly added that the most difficult part was, “being right next to the choir director. He hits your folder.”

Cranberry students embrace their experience at District 3 Chorus (Photograph by Preston Yoder)

That being said, the students seemed to really enjoy themselves.

At the beginning of the festival, students have to audition for a chair placement in the choir. This audition is a selection of two pieces that come from a choice of nine practiced pieces that students have worked on weeks prior. Students then rehearse all of the music music at the event during few days they have, and then perform on the final night of Districts.

First through tenth chair will continue on to perform at Regionals next month.

This year, five out of the nine seniors will go on to represent Cranberry at the next competition.

The placements for the five students continuing on are as follows: Michael Gunn, 2nd chair tenor 2; Joe Gunn, 8th chair tenor 2; Trevor Gladin, 6th chair bass 2; Eben Wry, 4th chair bass 2; and Trey Wright, 1st chair bass 2.

Gladin, 6th chair bass 2, looks forward to “learning more about my voice and myself and taking music to the next level” at Regionals in the next few weeks.

Michael Gunn, who will be attending his second Regionals this year, is excited for “the first warm up.”

The students mentioned how it is really special for the everyone to get together and perform for the first time.

When asked about the overall experience at districts, Gladin stated, “I enjoyed getting together with kids who have the same drive towards music that we do.” He went on to say, “It was nice meeting so many good natured people.”

Trey Wright, one of the students heading to Regionals, said that there was only one thing to remember above all, “#1stYear1stChair!”

Regionals will take place on February 27th-29th, where our five hopefuls will compete for a spot in States.