With the end of the year approaching sports are coming to an end. Many teams are entering  into their postseason with league and district meets. Going to state is a big deal and many of our sports and clubs go. Often times we forget about the hard work that goes into our music programs. Many of the students in music, whether in choir, band or orchestra went to the state solo and ensemble competition. Students can either compete with a small group or by themselves. Our school’s music programs send students to state competitions every year. 

State is a very different feeling for music than it is for sports. There aren’t plays that players run to beat the other team. Members need to know their music and be able to play it better than everyone else. Unlike sports, Musicians only have one chance to shine. With a performance like that the pressure is sure to build and surely some students would crack under the pressure, but PAHS students did not. I had the chance to speak with some of the students and learn about the many different aspects of state. Kyle Bozich (11) who went to state with chamber said, “My favorite part of state was honestly the bus ride; you just meet new people and I found that everyone I met was really cool and people are really interesting. We talked about music and I just bonded with people on the trip.” Everyone from band, to choir, to orchestra all had the chance to bond and get to know each other making state an even better place to go. 

Bozich explained some of the process of going to state and how Chamber Orchestra did. “First you have to compete at regionals, we competed against Port Townsend, and they were our only group that we competed against. The judges chose one group from each section, like one clarinet soloist one small wind group or one small orchestra group. There is also a first alternate and then after that there is no one. We were first and the first alternate was Port Townsend. We got three ones, but we didn’t place because there were so many really good groups. On a scale from five to one, five is the worst, so three ones from three judges is really good, but some groups were just better.”

Getting to state is a very rigorous process and being able to get to state in so many different ways is a big deal for our school. Elizabeth Helwick (11) shared her experience at state and how she got to state, “I liked getting to go and hang out with my quartet and just have fun and see other groups perform. You have to participate in the regional solo and ensemble competition that we had here this year and get a one or better rating. The judge chooses one group or person from each category. So the quartet and chamber got a one rating and were the top in the groups they competed in. I went with a string quartet and string ensemble with chamber. Both groups got superior overall ratings, but neither groups placed.”

PAHS is proud to show case their achievements. Enter the main door to the school or the gmy and visitors will find numerous glass cases with awards our sport teams have won so everyone can see them. Our school has a wall of fame for our music programs,in the band room and orchestra room as well. 

One of our own students is a state champion in music. Erin Hennessey (11) was the best of the best this year at state.  Hennessey spent a very long time preparing for state and it paid off. She shared her experience with me. She said her favorite part was when she was done, “My favorite part probably was after I played. I was really relieved and I didn’t have to worry about it anymore. It had been half a year of preparation and it was all over. It was great.” No matter what you go to state for after it’s over so much stress is relieved and you no longer have to worry about what it will be like and what will happen. Hennessy shared the rest of her experience with me as well, “I had to compete in the regional solo and ensemble competition, so that was everyone from Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend area and I had to play a solo and the judges had to choose a winner. At state I played in a large group with the whole orchestra, my courtet and the next day I had my solo.” 

Musicians refine their craft and skills year round unlike sports, which has a  limited season for any given specific sport. Musicians compete against people who have been practicing all year round, and a lot of times these musicians begin playing. sixth grade. With sports you can’t play with the school until your at least in seventh grade. Musicians train at various competitions and work all year round for state.  Hennessey worked as hard as any other athlete would and was rewarded for what she did. Choir, band, and orchestra have students who work all year for state and the students in these programs are so talented and very well thought by our music teachers.

Our other state participants were:

Joshua Basden(11), Roisin Cowan-Kuist(10), Tarah Erickson(12), Kaitlin Fairchild(12), Aaron Forese(12), Connor Gouge(12), Gigi Grier(12), Trey hoover(10), Jesse Major(12), Natalie Orr(12), Connor Reid(12), Forrest Emmett(12), Philip Scott(12), Jordan Sanders(12), Kayla McLaughlin(12), Jazzy Andrus(10), Jessica Betts(12), Mariah Crowley(12), Emily Fishman(12), Nick Fritschler(09), Michael Groves(12), Allison Hansen(10) , Sierra Horsley(12), Stephanie Moan(11), Jefferey Mordecai-Smith(09), Clara Nelson(12),  Laura Rodzinski(09)  Michaela Rogers(12), Natalie Tagg(10),Cole Urnes(10),Curry Winborn(12).