Mr. Colonel and his four musical departments performed at 7:30 pm, on May 7th, at the annual CHS Spring Concert.
The first group to perform was Swing Choir. Hayden Cartwright introduced their first song they performed, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” which included some partner work to make it all come together. Toby Gercis introduced their second song, “Corner of the Sky” which included a beginning solo from Jason Sibley and approved sign language movements. Their third and final song, “Come Alive” which is from the film, “The Greatest Showman,” which was introduced by Elizabeth Wilson.
After Swing Choir, Mr. Colonel gave out the 4-Year-Senior awards to both band and choir seniors. This is an award that is given out to any choir or band students who were in either group for all four years of their high school career. The only Choir senior was Ice Smith. The Band seniors were Josalynn Anaya, Joel Buskohl, Josh Casteel, Gavin Cowan, Chase Gilbert, Garret Hopkins, Haley Hoskin, Jessica Ixcoy, Hannah Kaempfe, Rylie McDonough, Aden McFarland, Chloe Miller, Ash Pfeiffer, Isaiah Roth, David Sullivan, and Mason Werner.
Once Mr. Colonel finished giving out the senior awards, Jazz Band began their section of the concert. Their first song, “Tu Valor,” which translates to “Your Value.” This song was introduced by Will Welge and featured a tenor saxophone solo by Rylie McDonough. Their second song was titled “Soft and Easy,” which was introduced by Erin Liefer. The Jazz Band then preformed, “Pass the Hot Sauce,” which was introduced by Jason Sibley. This song had a total of three student solos in it, which were performed by saxophone player Will Welge, trumpet player Josh Casteel, and trombone player Jaden Lopez. Jazz Band concluded their portion of the night with “Gonna Fly Now,” which was the theme for Rocky. This song was introduced by Josh Casteel.
Following the Jazz Band, Mr. Colonel gave out the Music awards to outstanding CHS students. The following students are the award winners; Jason Sibley won the Amanda Kahre Memorial Award, the most improved First-Year Swing Choir member, Hannah Kaempfe for the Choir Arion Award, Kaci Trost for the Choir Arion Award Runner-Up, David August for the Frederick Allmeyer Memorial Award, Isaiah Roth for the Wayne Thorne Memorial Award, Joch Casteel for the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in Memory of Brad Eggemeyer, Garret Hopkins for the Band Arion Award, and Chase Gilbert for the Band Arion Award Runner-Up.
After the awards were given out, the Concert Choir began their portion of the Spring Concert. Tia Martinez started off Concert Choir by introducing their first song, “We Can Dream.” Once that song was finished, Kaci Trost introduced their second song, “Light of Grace,” which included a solo from Megan Zimmer. Their third song, “Good News! Chariot’s A-Comin” was introduced by Brook Webb. This gospel was the most upbeat song from the Concert Choir. Their fourth and final song, “A Million Dreams,” was introduced by Mirra Krieg. This song is also from “The Greatest Showman.”
After Concert Choir’s performance, Mr. Colonel presented the 2024 Theater Awards for The Pajama Game. Megan Zimmer who played the leading female role, Babe Williams, and Jaden Lopez who played the leading male role, Sid Sorokin, both won the Outstanding Vocalist Awards. Ary Shipley who played Gladys Hotchkiss, Jason Sibley who played Vernon Hines, and Hannah Kaempfe who played Mabel all won the Outstanding Characterization Awards. Three crew members/managers named Aden McFarland, Rylie McDonough, and Elizabeth Wilson all won the Theater Director Awards. Both Aden McFarland and Rylie McDonough won the Four Year Senior Theater Awards.
Mr. Colonel then pulled the three raffle ticket. The first place prize goes to John Irose, the second place prize goes to Bonnie Todd, and the third place prize goes to Angela Olsen.
The Concert Band ended the night with five songs. The band opened their section with “Excelsior Galop,” which was introduced by Ary Shipley. Next they performed “Mountain Thyme” which was introduced by Nico DeGuzman. Lexi Davis then introduce their next piece,”The Cowboys.” After that, they played “Africa,” which was introduced by Isaiah Roth. CHS’ Concert Band concluded the night with “Armed Forces Salute,” which Whitney Sulser introduced.