Nine of the thirteen AHS musicians who attended the 2024 District III Chorus Festival auditioned and were chosen to advance to the next level. 

This year, district chorus was hosted at Freeport Area Middle School between Jan. 24-26. Thirteen students represented AHS, including Logan Badac, 12, Bass 1; Ethan Barnhart, 12, Bass 2; Cecilia Bowser, 12, Alto 1; Zakk Boyer, 12, Tenor 2; Natalie Claypoole, 12, Soprano 1; Hunter Cogley, 12, Tenor 1; Natalie Kamer, 12, Soprano 2; Hannah Sperl, 12, Alto 1; Grace Wilson, 12, Tenor 1; Gabrielle Pawk, 11, Alto 2; Delaney Smith, 11, Alto 2; Amber Bartl, 10, Tenor 1; and Marlee Smith, 10, Tenor 1. 

Hannah, Zakk, Natalie, Cecilia, Gabrielle, Natalie, Logan, Delaney, and Marlee will advance on to the Region II Chorus Festival in March, which will be held in Oil City, PA. 

Prior to the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educator Association (PMEA) District III Chorus concert, guest conductor Francis J. Nesta said “In the end, this labor will make us all different as we will have shared something unique and memorable…We could emerge as friends. After all, friendship is something our world could use a  bit more of.”

The concert featured twelve songs, each of which Nesta revealed the reasoning behind the selection. 

Nesta picked “Let Your Heart Be Joyful” to “...capture the joy most of us have experienced when singing with others...” He highlighted the passion inspired by “Grace.” He chose “The Conversion Of Saul” for its “passion” and “wide range of vocal expression.”  

Nesta described “Damon Irrepit Callidus” as a “complex rhythmic tapestry.” “Go Down Moses” is “...a familiar spiritual set by Mark Hayes to a gospel jazz accompaniment that makes telling the story fun to sing.”

He chose “Wanting Memories” because the lyrics are “personal and reflective.” “You  Stole My Love” is “lilting, yet rhythmic, and depicts the range of emotions one might expect when experiencing a loss.” 

Nesta selected “That I Ever Saw” for its beautiful harmonies. “The Argument” uses words as weapons. He chose “Shout Glory,” as a “rousing” conclusion.