Thirty nine Star Valley High School music students attended the Wyoming High School All State Music Clinic at Cody High School January 19-20. Qualifying participants enjoy educational instruction and attend rehearsals with guest conductors. All participants and guests gathered for a performance on Tuesday evening, January 20.
SVHS Band was represented by three band students, Markus Roberts, Will Hinton and Zanna Engler, who all enjoyed rehearsing and performing with the wonderful time rehearsing and performing with the All State Band. “It was a wonderful performance of challenging music,” said SVHS Band Director, Kurt Sand. “They can be very proud of all their hard work and commitment to music in their lives.”
“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work that went into this orchestra performance,” said SVHS Orchestra Director Lisa Barber. “Four students achieved the remarkable distinction of being named All-State musicians for four consecutive years: Brigham Hahn, Ella Cranney, Landon Walker, and Thomas Randall.” Hahn was honored as one of only four seniors from throughout the state that were selected as finalists for the Outstanding Senior Orchestra Award. Following seating auditions, Hahn earned first chair in the viola section and Ethan Eyre earned first chair in the cello section, which establishes these students as the most accomplished musicians in their sections.
“This was an exceptional experience for Star Valley students, who had the opportunity to perform a Tchaikovsky symphony in a full orchestral setting—an experience that was both exhilarating and inspiring,” said Barber. “The performance was meaningful on a deeper level as well. The conductor, who has Parkinson’s disease, spoke openly with students about his health challenges and his determination not to let them define him. Students deeply appreciated his leadership and example, which will undoubtedly resonate with them as they face challenges of their own.”
Maya Allred was honored for being one of six seniors selected to All State Choir all four years of high school. SVHS All State Choir students were led by guest conductor Jeffrey Redding, who is the director of Choral Activities at the University of Central, Florida and the 2019 Grammy Music Educator Award recipient. “His passion, energy and desire for the students to perform at a high level really resonated with the students,” said SVHS Choir Director, Kari Allred. “He stressed to them the importance of humans first, music second, and how we use our gift of music to reach people. It was a beautiful thing.”
