Chester High School Band, Choir, and Swing Choir traveled to the IHSA Organization Contest at Murphysboro High School on Friday, April 17. All three groups received Division I rankings, the highest rank achievable at the contest. Swing Choir earned the highest average score of the three.

Band performed at 6:30 p.m. Choir performed at 8:00 p.m. Swing Choir performed at 10:00 p.m.

All groups performed three pieces each.

Band: “Bandology”; “To the Stars!”; “I Am” (soloists: Emma Bogard, Abby Carter, Natalie Guethle, Erin Liefer, Eagan McClelland, Alyssa Stehl, Avery Wittenborn, Megan Zimmer)

Choir: “Music Makers and Dreamers of Dreams” (soloist: Megan Zimmer); “High Flight”; “Already Home” (soloist: Grace Kirkpatrick)

Swing Choir: “I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love with Me”; “Unforgettable” (soloists: David August and Alyssa Stehl); “High Hopes”

Each group received Division I ratings from all three judges, an amazing accomplishment for Mr. Colonel’s last contest. Though there were some bumps in the road, everyone who participated in the organization contest helped make this year one of the best and most memorable.

As a performer in all three groups, I have to say this has been an amazing year. Despite some stressful moments, everything pulled through and I couldn’t ask for a better band and choir. As a trumpet player in band, I thought our section played very well. As Colonel says, “It’s better to make new mistakes than return to old ones,” so I am overall proud of everyone. Both choir performances made me very happy. Even though concert choir was rushed — with the time mix-up and everything — it still turned out great. I’m so happy to have had a duet moment with senior David August, who is an amazing singer. I felt that all of the performances were truly unforgettable.

As words from the best music director ever, Mr. Colonel:
“Every performance better than the last.”