By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Several Goessel High School students earned places on Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) South Central District band and chorus.

The students auditioned live Nov. 14 at Andover Central High School. The South Central District is one of six in Kansas. Those selected at district will have the opportunity to audition for KMEA state honors in January.

Nine GHS students were chosen to join the district mixed chorus, which includes 160 students, boys and girls, from schools of all sizes. Singers earning places were Isaac Fast, Aimee Flaming, Aspen Frey, Jessica Goertzen, Jeffrey Hall, Karina Hall, Alex Hiebert, Bryant Miller, and Alex Schmidt.

Four band members were selected to join the district 1-2-3-4A band, representing the four school sizes. There is another district band for 5A and 6A schools. The band includes about 110 members; the size can vary depending on the quality of auditions and need for certain instruments.

Students recently earned other musical honors as well. The Kansas Choral Directors Association selected 10 Goessel students for its treble honor choir. Students in grades five through nine were eligible.

Goessel singers chosen were Alyssa Booten, Nate Bray, Erin Brubaker, Aleena Cook, Page Hiebert, Dane Kruger, Alicen Meysing, Gentry Thiesen, Anna Wiens, and Zach Wiens.

Sarah Booth, Davis Cook, Alex Hiebert, Hannah Miller, Arik Schmidt, Kara Schmucker, and Georgia Thiesen were chosen for the KMEA State Middle Level Choir. Singers grades seven through nine were eligible. The treble honor choir and middle level choir will perform during the annual KMEA state in-service workshop in February.

Eighth-graders Reece Hiebert, Victoria Hines, Mark Schmidt, and Kara Schmucker sang with the KMEA South Central Middle Level Honor Chorus Nov. 14 at Andover Central.

Band director Mike Connell said Goessel schools have three attributes that are key to music students’ success.

There are high expectations for students to do well, from parents, teachers, the community, and students themselves. A tradition of strong music programs instills those high expectations and creates pride in the program.

The final key factor is support from administrators and USD 411 Board of Education, Connell said.