Elizabeth Huck Earns Gold at State Piano Festival
SCHS sophomore Elizabeth Huck traveled to the Kansas State Piano Festival at Wichita State University on Saturday, February 16, 2008. She qualified for state two weeks earlier by earning a "I" rating at the Regional Festival at Fort Hays State University. Playing "The Cat and the Mouse" by Aaron Copland, Elizabeth was awarded the highest rating for her performance---a "I" and a gold medal. She will also be competing at the Kansas Junior Federated Festival on March 8, 2008 in Scott City and the Garden City Piano Festival on March 26, 2008. Elizabeth has attended Piano Camp at FHSU during the summer of 2007 and intends to return this coming summer.
Elizabeth is the daughter of Lance and Irene Huck. She studies piano with Marian Nolan. 2.18.07
Nineteen SCHS Music Events Qualify for State Festival
We had an outstanding day! SCHS took 29 events to regional festival at Garden City Community College on March 31st and received 19 Superior (I) ratings and 9 Excellent (II) ratings. Those groups and individuals who received I's will go on to 3A State competition on April 28th at SouthEast of Saline High School. We will be taking 35 students to State.
The following vocal groups participated and received the listed ratings:
Encore I, Sugar and Spice I, Encore Girls' Sextet I, Men's Ensemble I, and Sugar and Spice Girl's Ensemble II.
The following vocal soloists participated and received the listed ratings:
Lisa Gamble- I, Sierra Gregory- II, Erin Mettlen- II, Lisa Geist- I, Katie Schemm- I, Amber Kuckelman- I, Jill Kuckelman- I, Lacey Harvey- I, Kassie Folsom- I, Majken Eckels- I, Amanda Kennedy- I, Parker Artz- I, Jordon Snow- II, and Travis Reece- II.
The following instrumental group participated and received the listed rating:
Flute Trio-II.
The following instrumentalists participated and recieved the listed ratings:
Erin Mettlen-trumpet solo I, Erin Mettlen-marimba solo I, Emily Bennion-flute solo I, Justina Wishon-flute solo II, Santanna McBride-flute solo II, Adam Taylor-clarinet solo II, Kory Alexander-trombone solo II, Justin Sauer-Snare Drum solo I, and Lydia Craig-violin solo I.
(My personal congratulations to all of these students. Their achievements and efforts are great. Their instructors are outstanding---Amy Norris, Beth Hess, Shawn Henderson, and Courtney Williams. Beth gets a special star for all of her accompanying. It just wouldn't happen at all without her!!! Good luck at State!!!) 4.4.07
Scheuerman and Huck Compete at Regional Piano
Scott Community High School students Andrea Scheuerman and Elizabeth Huck traveled to Fort Hays State University on Saturday, February 3rd, for the Kansas State High School Activities Association Regional Piano Festival. Pianists from all classes (1A through 6A) of schools compete at five different regional sites held at colleges throughout the state of Kansas. Those students who earn a "I" rating on their performance qualify to compete at the KSHSAA State Piano Festival at Wichita State University on Saturday, February 17, 2007. At the state level, pianists will be divided by their grade level and will perform in a venue with other students their age.
Andrea Scheuerman, daughter of Randy and Cindy Scheuerman, is a senior at SCHS. This is her fourth consecutive performance at the regional festival. Her performance selection was the "adagio sostenuto" (1st movement) of the Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. Andrea received a "II" rating this year. Her piano instructor is Nelda Blackwell.
Elizabeth Huck is the daughter of Lance and Irene Huck. She is a freshman at SCHS and this was her first year in competition at Hays in the KSHSAA contest. She selected "Sonata in A Major, L391" by Scarlatti. Elizabeth earned a "I" rating for her efforts, a gold medal, and a trip to the state contest in two weeks. She studies with Marian Nolan.
Congratulations to these fine young pianists. 2.4.07
SCHS Music Programs Continue Their Success
Thirteen musicians auditioned for the Southwest District Honor Choir and Band in November. Twelve of these musicians were selected to participate in the district ensembles. This is quite an accomplishment for the SCHS music program. On December 2, 2006, those students selected spent the day at the Dodge City High School in rehearsal with clinicians, and later performed in the honor band and choir in a joint concert. Congratulations to the following students for their accomplishments:
Choir Sopranos--Lacey Harvey, Amber Kuckelman, Amanda Kennedy, Majken Eckels
Choir Altos--Kassie Folsom
Choir Tenors--K.C. Kough, Aaron Kuckarik
Choir Basses--Parker Artz, Travis Reece, Jordon Snow
Band Clarinet--Adam Taylor; Band Trombone--Kory Alexander
Another tremendous honor has come to three vocalists from Amy Norris' choral program. The following vocalists made State Honor Choir (from auditions at district):
Majken Eckels and Amber Kuckelman as 2nd sopranos, and Parker Artz as a Bass II
Alternates are Kassie Folsom, alto and Amanda Kennedy, Soprano.
They will perform in Wichita next spring as part of the Kansas Music Educators Association convention. Need I say it?---Congratulations to Amy Norris, Shawn Henderson, Beth Hess, and their super students. (And aren't I lucky to get to help out in the spring with solos!?) 12.12.06
"Beauty and the Beast" Photo Album
I certainly hope you saw "Beauty and the Beast", a musical presented by the SCHS music and theater departments. The costuming was fabulous, the singing and acting was great, and it was a great story to boot! And behind the scenes were Amy Norris, Shawn Henderson, Sharilyn Wasinger, Craig Ramsey, and a lot of adult musicians from the community who donated their time and talent to this event.
Check into the photo album to see many scenes from the SCHS production of "Beauty and the Beast".
Views from "Night of Scott City Percussion"
Elizabeth Huck performs Kuhlau's Sonatina Opus 55 No. 1 on the percussion concert. Didn't you know that the piano is a percussion instrument?
Here they are---the entire group of percussionists that performed on the "Night of Scott City Percussion" concert. These students are from the Scott City Middle School and Scott Community High School.
The Scott City Middle School's Girls' Percussion Ensemble play Fanfare for Four. Members from left: Elizabeth Huck, Brenna Beeson, Catherine Huck, Amelia Vasko, and Cecilia Rosenlund.
Do you recognize the mallet player on the right? Shawn Henderson joins his high school percussion group to play One O'Clock Samba. From left: Adam Taylor, Ashlee Sauer, Jared O'Dea, Stephen McGuire, Mitchell O'Dea, Erin Mettlen, Justin Sauer, and Caleb Brau.
SCHS Vocal Program Has Strong Showing at State Music Festival
SCHS Choral Director Amy Norrisis a tremendous vocal teacher. We all know that! Well, she and the students she lovingly coaches came back from the State Small Ensemble and Solo Contest with five "I" ratings for all of their efforts. I don't know if I can communicate how difficult it is for soloists and ensembles to earn the top rating at state. We all appreciate the efforts of athletes and the practice it takes to win a state championship in wrestling or track, or for a team to win a state championship. Music students and their teachers practice equally as hard and it is equally as difficult to be given the top rating. The select mixed ensemble, Encore, and the select female ensemble, Sugar and Spice, both received highest honors. Vocal soloists earning "I" ratings are Kassie Folsom, Amanda Kennedy,and Lidia Labra. Lidia actually received two "I" ratings, one in vocal solo and one in instrumental (flute) solo, (plus her involvement in Encore). Music is such an important component in the education of our students. Please take time to thank all the music instructors in the community when you get an opportunity.(5/21/06)
Left: Encore performed earlier this year at the Scott County Teachers Association annual banquet. Members are: Amber Kuckelman, Gage Casey, Nicole Alexander, Winston Sattler, Maijken Eckels, Parker Artz, Jill Kuckelman, Ben Mettlen, Erin Mettlen, Travis Reece, Lidia Labra, and K.C. Kough. Right: Maijken Eckels performs at the Majestic. Her accompanist is Beth Hess.
SCHS Band Program Has Phenomenal Year
The Scott Community High School Band Program just gets better and better! If you missed the concert on Monday, May 8th, then you missed a showcase of talent and wonderful instrumental music. The SCHS Concert Band, under the direction of Shawn Henderson,brought out one of their best performances, sharing the music that earned them a "I" rating at State Large Group Contest. Miss Briana Kilpatrick, in her last appearance as director before leaving for graduate school, lead the SCMS 7th and 8th grade band in playing movie music. Music from Disney's Aladdin and also from Raiders of the Lost Ark were exciting to listen to! Mix all of that in with two percussion ensembles, flute solo, and jazz band and you had one night full of great music. I really hope you were there!
Awards earned by SCHS and SCMS band members include: John Phillip Sousa Award---Lidia Labra, Gilmore Award---Scott Summers, Louie Armstrong Jazz Award---Matt Summers, Woody Herman Jazz Award---Aric Reed, SCMS Director's Award ---Matt Noll, SCHS Director's Award---Nicole Alexander. Lidia Labra earned a "I" rating for flute solo at the State Music Festival. The Percussion Ensemble also was given a "I" rating at state.
And then...there was the first "Night of Scott City Percussion" on May 12, 2006. Director Shawn Henderson combined percussion players from both the Scott City Middle School and Scott Community High School into several different ensembles. The first half of the evening was dedicated to "formal" music, including an abstract marimba piece performed by Erin Mettlen and a piano sonatina played by Elizabeth Huck. And although I call it "formal", you can't overlook the unique song played on BALLOONS! Yes, balloons! After a brief intermission to reset the stage for larger groups, the audience was in for some "rock" music. Walk Like and Egyptian, Conga (Gloria Estaban), Bashin', and Concerto for Garage Bandwere fantastic! For a special treat, Mr. Henderson performed an "air" drum solo accompanied vocally by his high school percussion class. Another great night! (5/20/06)
The SCHS Jazz Band performed at the spring band concert held on May 8, 2006.
This outstanding group of seniors has provided key leadership for the band program this year. From Left: Shawn and Mallory Henderson, Bram Krause, Aric Reed, Amanda Murphy, Mitchell O'Dea, Nicole Alexander, Lidia Labra, Matt Summers, Chisato Nasu, Ben Mettlen, Gentry Duff, and Scott Summers.
The Scott Community High School Concert Band under the direction of Shawn Henderson.
SCHS Music Students are Fantastic at Regional Festival!
Students from Scott Community High School spent Saturday, April 8, 2006 in Dodge City at KSHSAA Regional Music Festival. Choral director Amy Norris entered eighteen vocal soloists and six vocal small ensembles. Band directors Shawn Henderson and Briana Kilpatrick entered two instrumental soloists and two instrumental small ensembles. A total of thirteen I ratings, fourteen II ratings, and one III rating were earned. A "I" rating indicates a superior performance and qualifies the musician(s) for state competition on April 29, 2006 in Wichita.
LEFT: SCHS Mens' Ensemble earned a "I" rating on their performance of My Heart is in the Highlands and Bound for Jubilee. (Left to Right: K.C. Kough, Gentry Duff, Winston Sattler, Parker Artz, Miles Doherty, Blaine Harvey, Travis Reece, and Adam Wright. RIGHT: Seniors Lidia Labra (left) and Nicole Alexander celebrate Lidia's dual "I" ratings in vocal solo and flute solo. Nicole also participated in vocal solo, earning a strong "II" rating.
The beautiful young women pictured below are members of the select vocal group, Sugar and Spice. They will be traveling to state compeition after earning a "I" rating. Members: (from left) Janelle Hundertmark, Emily Bennion, Amanda Kennedy, Sierra Gregory, Lacey Harvey, Brinlee Griffith, Shelby Kite, Stephanie Cooper, Jessica Webb, Jeanette Bennion, Kassie Folsom, Dahlia Romero, Amanda Murphy, Rachel Williams, Monica Beeson, Tonya Hopkins, and Lisa Gamble.
ABOVE: Amanda Kennedy, Rachel Williams, and Jeanette Bennion rehearse their vocal trio selection. They received a "I".
BELOW: The Girls' Ensemble earned a "II" rating for their early morning performance. Members: (from left) Jessica Webb, Dahlia Romero, Tonya Hopkins, Amber Kuckelman, Lidia Labra, Lacey Harvey, Nicole Alexander, Emily Bennion, Kim Emahizer, and Monica Beeson.
ABOVE LEFT: SCHS Band Directors Briana Kilpatrick and Shawn Henderson are relieved that the long day of competition is over and has gone so well! RIGHT: Travis Reece gives Accompanist Beth Hess a big hug after his vocal solo. It can never be said enough: Beth gives hours and hours to the music program and is totally priceless! I don't know how I got home without a photo of Amy Norris...
RESULTS:VOCAL SOLO---Parker Artz (I), Lisa Gamble (II), Nicole Alexander (II), Lisa Geist (III), Lidia Labra (I), Sierra Gregory (II), Amber Kuckelman (II), Janelle Hundertmark (I), Amanda Kennedy (I), Kassie Folsom (I), Jill Kuckelman (II), Rachel Williams (II), Gentry Duff (II), Erin Mettlen (II), Adam Wright (II), Travis Reece (II), Lacey Harvey (II), and Majken Eckels (II). INSTRUMENTAL SOLO---Lidia Labra, flute, (I) and Lidia Craig, violin, (I). VOCAL ENSEMBLE---Encore (I), Sugar and Spice (I), Girls' Ensemble (II), Mens' Ensemble (I), Female Vocal Trio (I), and Female Vocal Quartet (II). INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE---Flute Trio (I) and Percussion Ensemble (I).
Members of the Flute Trio are Lidia Labra, Emily Bennion, and Santana McBride. Members of the Percussion Ensemble are Adam Taylor, Erin Mettlen, Bram Krause, Mitchell O'Dea, Stephen McGuire, Caleb Brau, and Justin Sauer. (4/11/06)
Blackwell and Nolan Students Perform at GCPF
Piano students of Nelda Blackwell and Marian Nolan participated in the 24th Annual Garden City Piano Festival. The event was held at Garden City Community College on March 17-18, 2006. Clinicians James Rivers, Julie Rivers, and Linda Neigert worked with area piano students from Scott City, Garden City, Sublette, Greensburg, Satanta, Lakin, Johnson, Liberal, Dodge City, Dighton, and Syracuse. Students were given instruction on piano technique during a ten minute mini-lesson or a thirty minute master lesson. Out of 120 students who participated, twenty were selected to perform (ten each night) on evening recitals prior to a duo piano concert given by James and Julie Rivers. Brenna Beeson, student of Mrs. Blackwell, was selected for the Friday recital and played "The Sultan's Ride", composed by Lucy W. Warren. Elizabeth Huck was selected to play on the Saturday evening recital (see photo below). Students from Scott City who participated were: Andrea Scheuerman, Monica Beeson, Kiersten Scott, Brenna Beeson, Callan Rice, and Elizabeth Huck.
Photo: Miss Elizabeth Huck performs "Appalachian Reverie" by Sarah Louise Dittenhaver at the Garden City Piano Festival select recital on Saturday, March 18, 2006. (3/19/06)
"Sonatina Experience" Gives Students Orchestral Background
The Sonatina Experience was held in Garden City on March 11, 2006. Participating from Scott City was Elizabeth Huck, 14-year-old daughter of Lance and Irene Huck. Elizabeth played Sonatina, Opus 55, No. 1 by Kuhlau. Her performance was accompanied by an instrumental ensemble which included Briana Kilpatrick, flute, instrumental instructor at Scott City Middle School. Elizabeth was selected by a panel of music teachers from an audition CD. Elizabeth studies with Marian Nolan. 3/11/06
POPS Concert is "Broadway" Hit
The SCHS Music Department presented an entertaining POPS Concert on the evenings of March 6 and 7, 2006 in the DeGeer Performing Arts Center. Music from musicals that have been on Broadway after 1985 was performed by the SCHS Jazz Ensemble, Encore, Sugar and Spice, Mixed Chorus, select women's trio, select quartet, and soloists. Feature musicals were "The Phantom of the Opera", "Wicked", "Les Miserables", and "Footloose". Our own community musicians, Last Rezort, provided dinner music and intermission music. Members are: Roger Winter, Mark McCandless, Shawn Henderson, Cliff Francis, Vernon Dietz, and Alan Hess. The performance was excellently performed and provided the community a with very pleasant evening. Our hats are off to Amy Norris and Shawn Henderson, SCHS music instructors for their excellence. Beth Hess is an indispensible accompanist for this school department. Another wonderful performance. (3/12/06)
Andrea Scheuerman Qualifies for State Piano Festival
Andrea Scheuerman recently returned from state piano competition sponsored by KSHSAA. The event was held at Wichita State University. Andrea earned the opportunity to compete against the best pianists in the state of Kansas from her I rating at regional piano festival in Hays. Her competition piece was Reverie in F Minor by Alexander. She was awarded a II rating at the state festival. Andrea is a junior at SCHS and the daughter of Randy and Cindy Scheuerman. Her piano teacher is Nelda Blackwell. (3/12/06)