By Crystal Hayduk
Music educators statewide know Chelsea supports its student musicians and vocalists. Chelsea High School (CHS) was well-represented at the 21st annual Michigan Music Conference (MMC), held Jan. 22-24 in Grand Rapids.
Chelsea High School’s full orchestra, consisting of both the band and orchestra’s top musicians, performed a full concert on Jan. 23. The ensemble was the only full orchestra of nine school-based performances at MMC this year.
Additionally, two CHS students were selected as All-State musicians this year following challenging and highly competitive blind auditions last fall.
Catarina Rossi earned the coveted spot of principal seat in the High School All-State Full Orchestra with her French horn.
Rossi, a junior, is a member of the CHS Wind Symphony and marching band. A multi-instrument musician, she also plays trombone in the CHS Jazz Band and flute in the Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO). She studies Celtic harp and performs regionally at Celtic festivals.
Phillip Sylvester, CHS orchestra director, said Rossi is a cadet teacher for sixth grade band at Beach Middle School. She is considering a career in music.
Wyeth Angus was chosen as the sole bass player in the All-State Jazz Band. Angus, a junior, is a bassist in the CHS Symphony Orchestra. He plays bass guitar in CHO, and he is a musician and composer for the local rock band, Kedron. When he’s not making music, Angus runs cross country and serves on student council.
Sylvester said Angus’ selection is “… a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to his practice and love for music.”
Ken Davis, CHS vocal music director, said three CHS vocalists were selected to sing in Honors Choirs at MMC following their auditions last fall.
Junior Emily Ideson is a Soprano 1 who sang in the SSAA Honors Choir.
Sophomore Charlotte Schmunk is an Alto 2 who also sang in the SSAA Honors Choir.
Junior William Roebuck is a Bass 2 who sang in the TTBB Honors Choir. “He had a speaking solo in ‘Please Stay’ by Jake Runestad,” said Davis. “[It is] a piece that tackles mental health and suicide for young adults in hopes to make a positive difference.”
All three vocal music students are also members of the CHS Chamber Choir and Company C.
The All-State and Honors Choir performances took place on Jan. 24.
[Note: A recording of “Please Stay” as performed by the Capital University Chapel Choir in Columbus is available here.]
About All-State, MSVMA, and MMC
All-State concerts are made possible through the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA). On average, about 2,500 students statewide audition for a total of five ensembles containing 400 seats (msboa.org).
The Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) helps to make Honors Choirs concerts possible. “[MSVMA] is a non-profit that supports and encourages the expression of vocal talent and musical creativity” (msvma.wildapricot.org).
MMC draws about 9,000 teachers, administrators, students, speakers, and guests for the educational sessions and concerts. “The purpose of the Michigan Music Conference is to provide relevant professional development and vibrant musical experiences that support music education for educators and their students” (www.michiganmusicconference.org).
