Sequim High band, choir members picked for state contests

By Michael Dashiell • May 13, 2020 1:30 am
Sequim High School’s large vocal ensemble group was selected first alternate for the WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest that was to be held in late April. Led by director John Lorentzen, this group was also featured at the Washington Music Educators Association’s conference in February, invited to perform as representatives of small school choral programs in Washington state. Pictured are (back row from left) Keaton King, Espn Judd, Kenneth Wolfley, Henry Hughes, Jonathan Heintz, Adrian Funston, Harrison Bell and Jax Thaxton, with (front row, from left) Kariya Johnson, Danika Chen, Maddy Dietzman, Anastasia Updike, Delaney Nucci, Eva Lofstrom, Payton Sturm and Chloe “Cas” Morton. Photo courtesy of John Lorentzen
Sequim High School’s large vocal ensemble group was selected first alternate for the WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest that was to be held in late April. Led by director John Lorentzen, this group was also featured at the Washington Music Educators Association’s conference in February, invited to perform as representatives of small school choral programs in Washington state. Pictured are (back row from left) Keaton King, Espn Judd, Kenneth Wolfley, Henry Hughes, Jonathan Heintz, Adrian Funston, Harrison Bell and Jax Thaxton, with (front row, from left) Kariya Johnson, Danika Chen, Maddy Dietzman, Anastasia Updike, Delaney Nucci, Eva Lofstrom, Payton Sturm and Chloe “Cas” Morton. Photo courtesy of John Lorentzen

The Sequim High auditorium is quiet for now, but a host of local students have made some noise on a statewide level for their musical acumen.

Thirty-six students from SHS — 18 each from the band and choir programs — earned all-state honors and would have competed in the WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest held in Ellensburg the last Friday and Saturday in April each year.

Students were unable to participate in the event after state leaders closed schools because of 2019 novel coronavirus concerns.

From the Sequim High choir, three singers were selected state representatives: Adrian Funston (baritone), Jonathan Heintz (bass) and Kariya Johnson (soprano).

Selected as first alternates were Charlie Briggs (alto), Danika Chen (soprano) and Jax Thaxton (baritone), as was Sequim High’s large vocal ensemble group that includes Chen, Funston, Heintz, Johnson, Thaxton, Harrison Bell, Maddy Dietzman, Henry Hughes, Espn Judd, Keaton King, Eva Lofstrom, Chloe “Cas” Morton, Delaney Nucci, Payton Sturm, Anastasia Updike and Kenneth Wolfley.

Picked for second alternates were Sturm for mezzo soprano, Paola Villegas for alto, and Dietzman and Morton for vocal duet.

On the band side, three soloists qualified for state: Will Plasch (mallets), Aaron Snyder (euphonium) and Keith Wilwert (piano).

Earning first alternate honors was Sequim High’s large percussion ensemble, featuring Plasch, Maria Asselin-Old Chief, Abigail Benjamin, Diego Buhrer, Stephanie Calderon, Claire D’Amico, Kate D’Amico, Sidney Johnston, Calvin Magelssen, Maddison Marler, Savannah Minker, Truman Nestor, Emma Sharp, Gracie Sharp, Abe Torres and Rileigh VanDyken.

Eighteen members of the Sequim High School band, including three soloists and a 15-member percussion ensemble, were selected for the 202 WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell

Eighteen members of the Sequim High School band, including three soloists and a 15-member percussion ensemble, were selected for the 202 WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell