Come spend an 'Evening in Italy' with SHS choir's state finalists
(Courtesy photo) Some of the Idaho state solo vocalists from Sandpoint High School pose for a photo. Pictured in the top row are Burton Anderson, Ignacio Padilla, and Ben Robinson. In the middle row are Zoe Miller, Kathi Kessler, and Mikayla Schoening. Pictured in front are Hope Ambridge, and Jaida Donaldson. Not pictured are Freddy Libby, Anna Hughes, Zane Rasor and Joel Johnson.
Take a trip across the ocean to Italy without leaving Sandpoint on Wednesday, April 24, with the 13 gifted young vocalists who have made it to the Idaho State Vocal Finals for 2019. Join them as they sing their state solo pieces for you while you enjoy a delicious lasagna dinner at the Sandpoint High School commons. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Eve’s Leaves and from choir members for $10 per person.
These students all placed in the top three of their categories and received a “superior” rating at the regional vocal tournament. This is one of the largest groups SHS choir director Jon Brownell has ever taken to the state competition, which is at ISU in Pocatello this year. Lake Pend Oreille School District pays for the costs of one tournament only, so the choir must raise funds to send these talented kids down south to compete with the best of the state.
Each competitor sings a classical piece of music which they choose from the options available on a list compiled by the Idaho Music Educators Association. These pieces are chosen to both challenge and highlight the vocal range and control of the students. Students compete in small groups as a soloist without their choir director present. After their piece, the judges critique the singers, offering tips and pointers to take the performances to an even higher level.
Taking 13 vocalists to state is a big undertaking, so all the SHS choir members are rallying to make it happen. This benefit dinner is one of the things they are doing. The choirs are also singing at local restaurants on Friday and Saturday evenings and passing the hat afterwards for donations. You may also support these fabulous young singers by making a tax deductible (check with you tax adviser for details) donation. Send your check made out to “SHS Choir” to Sandpoint High School, Attn: SHS Choir, 410 S Division, Sandpoint, ID 83864. The student vocalists appreciate your support.