AHS Seniors Natalie Claypoole and Hunter Cogley were featured as soloists in the 2023 Armstrong County Senior Chorus Festival, which was held at Freeport Area Middle School. 

County Chorus is composed of selected students from Armstrong, West Shamokin, Leechburg Area, Apollo-Ridge, and Freeport Area High Schools. This year, the event spanned Nov. 15 and 16.

During the concert, students sang a total of seven pieces, including “Vamudara,” a traditional African piece, “Psallite,” composed by Michael Praetorius, “Be The Change,” composed by Laura Farnell, “In Flanders Fields,” arranged by Roger Emerson, “Tell the Earth to Shake,” composed by Gwenyth Walker, “Mata Del Anima Sola”, composed by Anotonio Estavez, and “Up the Ladder to the Roof,” arranged by Mark Brymer. 

Guest conductor Dr. Bryan Helsel arranged this year’s concert. Dr. Helsel is a Lecturer of Recording Arts at Youngstown State University, where he teaches courses in music technology. He holds a Master’s degree in piano performance from Duquesne University and bachelor degrees in music education and piano performance from Westminster College.

Forty AHS students participated in the festival this year, including both soloists.