By: Matt Goettle, DHS Music Instrumental and Women's Choir Director
Nine students were selected to participate in the annual UND Honor Band and Choir Festival on the University of North Dakota campus on January 21 - 23. An annual January event for over 30 years, the UND Honor Festival provides an opportunity for talented high school musicians to perform in a select ensemble under the leadership of UND faculty. Gracie Cisneros, senior, alto, had this to share of the experience, "(The festival was) "Very professional - it was really cool! Everyone there was serious about singing. The director was involved and made a personal connection with everyone!". The festival concludes with a concert that features selected high school students from throughout North Dakota and Minnesota performing in the UND Honor Band, Mixed Honor Choir, Women's Honor Choir, and Honor Strings.
Students from all over the state prepare solos, scales, rudiments, excerpts, etc., and go to a live audition at several sites across the state to be heard by a group of judges. Only the best musicians are chosen to join the band, orchestra, and choirs. Jacob Kirsch, senior, clarinet, reflected on the learning outcomes of attending the festival, "The University of North Dakota music festival was a unique experience for me as a musician. Being able to switch the parts we were playing for different songs allowed me to see a fresh perspective on each song as well as meet more musicians who were like me. The festival allowed me to collaborate with many highly skilled musicians from around North Dakota, and the result was an enjoyable concert for both the performers and the audience. Overall, I enjoyed playing beautiful music with North Dakota students just like me at the UND Music Festival".
This year, Dickinson High School had a great showing, with nine students being chosen. Rehearsals were from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, followed by a wonderful concert that concluded with the orchestra, band, and choirs performing together a beautiful rendition of "From Sea To Shining Sea."
List of students that participated in the event:
- Abigail Goettle - grade 12 - flute
- Jacob Kirsch - grade 12 - clarinet
- Kyle Anderson - grade 11 - bari saxophone
- Chesnee Wagner - grade 12 - French horn
- Elizabeth Keele - grade 11 - tuba
- Macale Fisher - grade 12 - tenor
- Gracie Cisneros - grade 12 - alto
- Lauren Ehlis - grade 12 - soprano
- Elizabeth Goettle - grade 10 - soprano
List of selected alternates:
- Tobias Spangler - grade 10 - trombone
- Christopher Fleig - grade 11 - clarinet