Goessel music groups place first, second at Cavalcade
Goessel High School's band and choir traveled to Colorado Springs the weekend of May 10 to compete in the 21st annual Cavalcade of Music festival. Both groups came home with unanimous "superior" ratings from the judges.
The GHS band received 286 points and was awarded the second-place trophy, narrowly losing first by one point to the band from Kit Carson, Colo. Festival officials said it was the closest point spread in the event's history.
"We played very difficult music very well, and the students and I were pleased with our performance," said band director Bud Meisel. "We had a few minor balance problems playing in an unfamiliar concert hall, but overall, the performance was great.
"The other (Colorado) band played much easier music, but the played it very well, I'm told."
The GHS choir received 292 points out of a possible 300 and was awarded the first-place trophy in Class A competition.
According to choir director Greg Bontrager, "We showed that a small school can perform at a high level and demonstrate quality in many different styles of music.
"All three judges commented on the excellence in the technical aspect but even more so on the programming and the overall performance," he said. "The kids definitely stepped up and represented Goessel High School in the best way."
