Music is in the air at CHS

By Susan Sonnemaker

Special to the Appeal

The Carson High School Intermediate, Chamber and Concert Choirs attended the University of Nevada, Reno Choral Festival held on campus Feb. 13.

Students from Washoe, Douglas, Dayton and beyond attended the festival and performed for a panel of three judges. The judges are college professors of music and directors of professional choirs from around the country.

While the CHS Intermediate Choir did very well, the CHS Chamber Singers and Concert Choir earned the highest possible score from all three judges.

Carson High School Band and Choir students also competed at the local Solo and Ensemble contest at Douglas High School Feb. 9.

Students who earned high scores advanced to the regional competition at Reed High School last weekend.

Students who advanced from Carson High are: Vocal Solos, Elise Sala, Nidsa Mourtisen, Brittney Kinsey, Brynn Garrett, Phil Wortman, Josh Wold, Cameron Shirey, Dakota Dutcher and Alex Crounk; Vocal Ensembles, Men's Barbershop Quartet, two women's ensembles, Garrett/Kinsey duet and the CHS Chamber Singers in two groups; instrumental solos, C.J. Bower, Bryce Altus, Elizabeth White in two groups and Nidsa Mouritsen.

Students from Carson High school choirs also auditioned for the Nevada All State Choir to perform at the Nevada Music Educators State Conference in Las Vegas April 17-19.

Of the 34 students who were eligible to audition (based on previously selection for the regional honor choir held last week), Carson High School had 14 students who will be attending and participating in this state level choir.

Students selected are: Elise Sala, Stephanie Lauder, Brynn Garrett, Sarah Irvin, Nidsa Mouritsen, Brittney Kinsey, Dakota Dutcher, Justin Kaylor, Jake Linstrom, Chris Wortman, Philip Wortman, Emzy Burroughs and Brian Lester and Alex Crounk, who also earned a position as the Tenor 2 section leader by having the highest score statewide.

The annual Carson City School District Band-O-Rama is being held in the Carson High School Gymnasium at 7 p.m. Thursday. Students from Fritsch, Bordewich-Bray, Seeliger, Fremont, Mark Twain and Empire elementaries, Carson and Eagle Valley middle schools and Carson High School come together to present instrumental music at its finest.

This unique blend of all music instructional levels from the entire Carson City School District, K-12, is something that you shouldn't miss.

First year CHS band director, Jarod Sorum, says that "Band-O-Rama is a great way for students to see and hear the opportunities that lie before them in their public educational journey."

• Susan Sonnemaker teaches choir at Carson High and is a member of Senator Pride.