Pre Contest Concert
Allie Nicholson
Media Marketing
The Pre Contest Music show is a chance for our Osborne High School vocal and band students to push a lot harder than they normally do. Though this performance is no doubt fueled by anxious butterflies, it is a chance for students to step out of their comfort zones and feel overwhelmed in the best possible way. The pre contest Music concert is often long-anticipated by the OHS music students and serves as an opportunity for them to showcase their contest songs, with a familiar audience. Often, the concert provides a cathartic rush to parents and performers alike. This concert can be taken as light-hearted and fun; most find it leaves them with a life-long transcendent memory. By holding a pre contest Music concert, we’ve not only achieved the goal of sharpening our students' skills, we have also brought our students closer together as performers.
The concerts were first held eight years ago. When asked about this concert, Mrs. Burrus said, “ It gives a chance for students to perform in front of people (and hopefully calm their nerves a bit before being judged), allows parents to see their child perform if they can’t go to contest, and also provides an important opportunity for the vocal teachers to be able to fine tune how the student performs there contest pieces.” Mrs. Conway agreed with this, while adding, “I am very proud of the kids who are willing to get out of their comfort zone and perform in public, whether it is individually or as part of a group. It takes a lot of courage, but the growth in confidence will serve each student well as they continue on their lifetime journey of experiences.”
At the precontest Music concert, everyone performed well. It, also, highlighted what to work on. If someone messed up, they could see each person from their class cheering them on, along with their family.
The next day, we left for contest at 7:25 a.m. Despite missing five out of the twelve vocal students, we left with our heads held high. When we got there, everyone sat down to talk and play games while waiting to warm up our voices or instruments. Each student is given the option to sing two solos, be in a small ensemble like a girls or boys group, get to do a large group song, or play an instrument. Each soloist takes two songs . Typically, the soloist picks two songs that are different in order to better give the judges an example of their skill sets.
Jillian Schafer, Abigail Rigney, Cheyenne Knoll, Arianna Miller, and myself sang solos, sang in the girls ensemble, and also sang in the full group ensemble.
Aiden Nicholson sang solos and sang in the full group ensemble.
Violet Vines sang in both the girls’ ensemble and the full group ensemble.
The ratings for contest go from one to four with one being the best and four being the worst. Every vocal solo performance got a two except Chey and Jillian who went on to compete at state. Our girls’ group got a two at contest, and our full group received a one.
At state, our full group got a two. Chey got a perfect score at state and Jillian got a two.
Both Payton Bales and Jayla O’Leary received ones on their band solos and ones at state.
Our music programs at OHS are full of talented performers with bright futures. Each year we prove that even a small school can do great things. The music programs at OHS serve as a place to learn, grow, and sharpen musical skills and talents. These classes have a fun and safe atmosphere that brings the best out of each student. In years to come we will continue our legacy of performing beyond expectations and sharing the love of music with anyone who will listen.