Chester High School’s very own music department held their annual Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 6. This concert consisted of a concert and jazz choir and a concert band, all under the direction of Mr. Steve Colonel.
The concert started at 6:30, and it began with jazz choir singing. Elizabeth Wilson kicked off the concert by introducing “On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever).” Once the choir finished their first piece, Natalie Guethle presented “Feeling Good,” which included a beginning solo from Junior student, Megan Zimmer. After that, Jason Sibley described the third song, which was Elvis Presley’s very famous “Blue Suede Shoes,” which had a scat solo from Senior member Will Welge. Lastly, the jazz choir ended with Megan Zimmer introducing “Beethoven’s 5th.” Then the students were directed to their seats with the concert choir members.
After the choir was seated, Mr. Colonel began the “Four-Year Senior” awards for people who were in band, choir, or both for all four years of their high school career. The awarded choir members are Jack Heffernan, Mirra Krieg, Ary Shipley, and Summer Valleroy. The awarded band members are Max Blechle, Nick Coffey, Josh Copple, Nico De Guzman, Toby Gercis, Mirra Krieg, Jaden Lopez, Tia Martinez, Tino Rafael, Lincon Schroeder, Ary Shipley, Whitney Sulser, and Will Welge.
Now it was the concert choir’s turn to sing their four pieces. This started off with Will Welge introducing “Agnus Dei.” After that, Hayden Cartwright presented “Riversong.” Then Whitney Sulser described the concert choir’s third piece, which was “Skyfall,” by famous musician Adele. Lastly, Mirra Krieg introduced “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” from the famous Disney film, “Lilo & Stitch!” This also included multiple solos from Junior Jason Sibley, and a change of accessories for the choir, as they all decided to wear Hawaiian necklaces called leis! This was also the second time the choir performed this song, as they also did it two years ago during the 2023 Spring Concert!
Once the concert choir finished and the students were seated, Mr. Colonel presented the 2025 Theater Awards for students who participated in this year’s musical, “The Addams Family!” The first award to be presented was the Outstanding Vocalist awards, which was given to Junior Jason Sibley, who played the main character Gomez Addams, and to Sophomore Grace Kirkpatrick, who played Morticia Addams, Gomez’s wife. Next up was the Outstanding Characterization award, which was given to Senior Ary Shipley, who played Gomez’s gothic daughter, Wednesday Addams, Senior Will Welge, who played the kooky Uncle Fester, Senior Jaden Lopez, who played the lovesick Lucas Beineke, and Junior Megan Zimmer, who played the colorful but secretive Alice Beineke. Then it was time for the Director’s Awards, which was gifted to Junior Elizabeth Wilson who is the student director, Junior Liam Holland who was in charge of lights, Sophomore Chelse Mathis who was in charge of sound, and Sophomore Isabel Smith who helped out backstage. Lastly of the theater awards were the Four-Year Senior awards for the seniors who dedicated a big portion of their high school lives to theater for four years straight! These seniors include Nico De Guzman, Ary Shipley, and Will Welge.
After the awards, the theater portion of the concert does not end yet, as the students put together a very special gift for Mr. Colonel. The gift was presented to him by Elizabeth Wilson, Will Welge, and Grace Kirkpatrick. This all followed a personalized speech made by Elizabeth Wilson, which was made to thank Mr. Colonel for all of his hard work to help the students create such a fantastic show and an amazing work environment.
Now it was finally time for the biggest section of the concert, the band! This started off with Natalie Guetersloh presenting “Fanfare Esprit.” Next up, Jaden Lopez introduced “Encanto.” This song included a flute solo from Junior Megan Zimmer and a trumpet solo from Sophomore Kendall Nanney. Then Macy VanZandt introduced the band’s march, “Razzmatazz.” This concluded the first half of the band section, which was all of the music the band took to the IHSA Organization contest.
Mr. Colonel allowed the band to take a break by presenting the music awards. This started off with the Amanda Kahre Memorial Award for the most improved Swing Choir member, which was awarded to Freshman Bently Valleroy. Then it was time for the Chorus Arion Award, which was for the best choir member. The runner-up for the award was Senior Will Welge, and the award winner was Senior Ary Shipley. Next up was the Frederick Allmeyer Memorial Award for the most deserving Sophomore student in the band, which was presented to Kendall Nanney. The next award was the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, which was presented in memory of Brad Eggemeyer, and it was given to Senior Max Blechle. Then it was time for the Wayne Thorne Memorial Award which is meant for a Senior who exhibited great service, and that was awarded to Jaden Lopez. Lastly, it was time for the Band Arion Award, which much like the chorus one, is meant for the best band member. The runner-up for the award was Senior Ary Shipley, and the two students who were given the Arion award were Seniors Nico De Guzman and Will Welge.
After the last of the awards, the band was allowed to continue their music. This began with Toby Gercis presenting “Can-Can,” which is a piece from the opera, “Orpheus in the Underworld.” Next up, Ary Shipley introduced “Abba on Broadway,” which included many famous songs, such as “I Have A Dream,” “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Dancing Queen.” These are all popular hits from the famous Swedish pop group, and they were mashed together to create a nearly six minute long band piece. This piece also included two trumpet solos from Sophomore Kendall Nanney and Freshman Alyssa Stehl. Lastly, Lexi Davis introduced the one song the band plays at every Spring Concert, “Armed Forces Salute.” This included many military pieces for each group, and is played at the concert with the purpose of recognizing those who have served our country!
After all of that, the concert was finally over! Mr. Colonel thanked everyone for coming and asked people to be safe getting home. Good job to everyone who played a role at the concert!
