Superior High School students sing out in all-state

SUPERIOR – Earlier this month two Superior High School students joined over a hundred kids from across three states for an all-star choir performance in Missoula.

Senior Heather Kelly with junior Sienna Faydo joined singers from across Montana, as well as Wyoming and Idaho, for the performance. The group performed at the Dennison Theater on the University of Montana campus in Missoula.

The performance was on Sunday, Feb. 9. The kids gathered for the whole weekend as Friday and Saturday saw a crash course of rehearsals. The girls carpooled to Missoula for Friday night and all day Saturday rehearsals. A final dress rehearsal Sunday morning brought a close to the intense practice sessions.

The group performed five songs, including two written by the conductor.

According to Amber Winter, music teacher at Superior, the group organizing the choir sent out requests for nominations to schools. They wanted to know the strengths and weaknesses of the nominees then based their decisions on the information provided. Winter sent in approximately five nominations.

Kelly said it was an awesome experience. She said it was a once in a lifetime experience to sing with such a group. The performance was especially amazing because of how well everything came together.

“I’ve never been around a men’s choir that blended so well with the women,” she said. “It just sounded phenomenal.”

It was a little strange for Kelly because some of the other schools sent 12 to 15 kids while she and Faydo were the only representatives from their area. Kelly said she was surprised to see so many talented people come out of the other schools.

The experience was overall a beneficial one. Kelly recalled the director of the choir called on her to sing a part for the group during rehearsals as an example of how it should sound. The whole experience with the choir inspired Kelly to look into what she could do on the small town level with singing at games and other events.

“I’ve been practicing singing out,” said Kelly. “I guess it showed me that I shouldn’t be nervous about my voice.”

Winter was impressed with how the girls performed. She said Kelly and Faydo were top-notch. Winter also said they were just as good as the best singers from the other schools.

Kelly’s sister, Hailey Kelly, said the performance was awesome.

As part of being in the all-star choir, performers got to hear the University of Montana’s choir perform in one of the institution’s Fusion concerts. Aside from a great resume boost, performing in the choir also gave the performers the opportunity to apply for scholarships through the music program.

“They also got a special water bottle, which they were really excited about,” said Winter. “It’s the little things.”

This was the second time in the last 12 months Superior students were placed among the high school performance elite. Three Superior High School students joined an all-star band for a similar performance in late 2013.

Heather has considered continuing her musical aspirations and may major in music after graduating this spring. One way or another she does plan to continue with choir and band in college.