On February 11, it was announced at the Northwest Regional Honor Choir assembly that thirty-one Sunnyslope choir students had qualified to compete in regionals.
Being able to head to regionals is a momentous achievement for all who made it.
This shows not only the dedication they put into music but the work they put into themself and each other for all to hear.
Many students believe they were able to get ready properly because of Choir Teacher Tamara Krause’s involvement.
“Ms.Krause puts a lot of time and effort into developing us as individual vocalists. I think that’s a huge part of why we’re largely representative in regionals,” said Senior Peter Buskirk.
Since so many students were at many different levels of preparedness, those ahead decided to step in and help those who needed it, wanting everyone to be at their best.
Memorizing their parts is what “some people were struggling with,” said Sophomore Jack Barker, and he didn’t hesitate to help his peers.
While the end goal was always to attend regionals, many students focused mainly on their own personal growth: they wanted to refine their skills and show how much they had improved from last year.
“I just kind of decided to leave the stress and the anxiety out of it,” said Buskirk.
Rehearsing is the key to success, but finding time to lay down and enjoy the moment is equally important.
Sophomore Byron Haraldsen said, “Last year, I didn’t do so well, but if you take out the nerves and you just let it happen, [there will be a] better outcome.”
Many students assumed that they would make it this year seeing that they made it last year.
Barker said, “I kind of assumed I was going to make it this year” after attending last year, “but it [still] feels good when you get in.”
By believing they would have a good shot at attending regionals, many students felt as if the typical anxiety and stress associated with performing were dampened.
In addition to those who had qualified in previous years, several seniors fell into a well-practiced routine.
Buskirk has made it to regionals every year since his freshman year, “but [making it] was… special this year because I was first chair,” said Buskirk.
Typically, the title of first chair is awarded to the most skilled or experienced singer.
Buskirk said making first chair “ is something I’ve been working towards for the past four years. So I was just super grateful, and it was really relieving to know that all of my hard work had paid off.”
