This past weekend, five ensembles from three area high schools participated in the Iowa High School Music Association’s (IHSMA) Large Group Festival. After the performances concluded, Panorama’s mixed chorus received a “I,” or “Superior” rating, the highest mark possible. The Choir performed “Come to the Music” by Joseph M. Martin, and David N. Childs’ “Set Me As a Seal Upon Your Heart.”

Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center’s concert band and mixed chorus, as well as West Central Valley’s mixed chorus, received a “II,” or “Excellent” rating. West Central Valley’s band received a “III,” or “Good” rating. Each ensemble was critiqued on several musical components, including: tone quality, rhythm, balance, interpretation, and diction.

The festival at Woodward-Granger High School included bass clef chorus, treble clef chorus, mixed chorus, and concert band. Out of 42 entries, 19 “I” ratings and 16 “II” ratings were given.

Musical Selections:

Panorama Mixed Chorus- 

*Come to the Music- Joseph M. Martin

*Set Me As a Seal Upon Your Heart- David N. Childs

AC/GC Concert Band-

*Baba Yetu– Christopher Tin/Douglas Wagner

*Apparitions– Brian Balmages

AC/GC Mixed Chorus-

*Scarborough Fair- Roger Emerson

*Sing Me to Heaven- Daniel Gawthrop

West Central Valley Mixed Chorus-

*Let the Praise Go ‘Round– William Boyce

*Hymn- Stan DeWitt

*The May Night- Arthur Frackenpohl