CF music groups excel at contest

 Ellen Gustavson/Staff Writer

Seven CFHS large groups earned a Division I “Superior” ratings at the state large group music contest on Saturday, May 8.

These groups include wind ensemble, symphonic band, bass clef choir, treble cleff choir, concert choir, full orchestra and string orchesta. The mixed chorus earned a Division II.
Held at both CFHS and NU schools, the event is sponsored by the IHSMA (Iowa High School Music Association).

Both CFHS bands received a unanimous Division I rating, the highest rating at IHSMA events, from panel of three judges. A total of 17 schools made for 53 performing groups at the contest.

The wind ensemble, directed by Gerald Ramsey, performed a song dedicated to Rosa Parks, called “A Song For Rosa.”

Wind ensemble member Alexandra Stewart said she felt their performance went well. “We all performed our best,” she said.

Under the direction of Kyle Engelhardt, the symphonic band performed two songs, including “Der Traum des Oenghus”, a song based on a German fairytale, and “American Riversongs.”

The first song was a much more difficult piece to master, but the band’s hard work paid off.

Engelhardt said, “Many high school students don’t get a chance to play literature of that nature until they reach college, and to pull it off here was a great achievement for our students.”

At the time the Tiger Hi-Line went to press, results for choir and orchestra had not been released yet.

Engelhardt felt that while giving an excellent performance was an important part of this contest, students will benefit from their skills in the long run as well.

“To work as a member of a band, choir or orchestra is to be involved in critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, analysis, leadership and adaptability; it also allows for a fair amount of curiosity and imagination,” Engelhardt said. “These skills worked for us to have a great performance, and will also help our students succeed in the future, whether they’re in music or not. The music program as a whole is a wonderful place for students to learn and grow — and Saturday’s performances from all of our groups should be an immense point of pride for everyone in the community and schools.”

The last chance to see both bands perform will be at the Spring Awards Concert, which will be held later in the month on Tuesday, May 25.

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