HHS ensemble, Tabor concert choir perform
With a program ranging from "The Star-Spangled Banner" to "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" to "The Lord's Prayer," the Hillsboro High School Men's Ensemble made their mark Feb. 23 at the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) state festival in Wichita.
The seven-member group, which has been singing together since middle school, turned in a vocal music version of a state championship performance.
"They did an outstanding job representing Hillsboro," said director Lynn Just. "The teachers at the convention were still commenting on how great their performance was the next day.
"I'm proud of the work they've done."
After the ensemble sang its eight songs with accompaniment by Julia and Maria Loewen, and a flute solo by band director Gregg Walker, the Tabor College concert choir took the Century II stage immediately following, for a 35-minute concert of its own.
"I've never seen it happen when a local high school and the local college — in a small town — are both invited [to perform at KMEA]," said Tabor choir director Bradley Vogel.
Tabor's performance featured a repertoire revolving around the theme, "But We See Jesus." Vogel arranged the performance in two sections, woven together by the use of Gregorian chant.
For Just, watching her young men perform brought back memories, and soaring words of praise.
"They have been so enjoyable to work with this year," Just said. "They take performing to a higher level; not just singing the notes, but working on communicating what the music is saying. When singers can put themselves into the music, aren't afraid to express themselves, that's when you get performers like these guys.
"Once the students experience it, it really empowers them."
Both groups produced special programs for the occasion. The Men's Ensemble program included a letter from USD 410 Superintendent Gordon Mohn, which seems to sum up what making music means to the people of Hillsboro:
Kansas Music Educators:
It is an honor for the Hillsboro High School Men's Ensemble to perform for Kansas music educators. These young men are part of a long-established music tradition at Hillsboro High School.
The Mennonite roots of our community nourish a pride in vocal music that is evident in the enthusiastic commitment these young men have to performing fine choral literature. At Hillsboro High School it is the "in thing" for boys to be involved in our singing groups.
At USD 410 we truly believe that music is a window to the soul. Through music, children experience literature and express emotion while learning about other cultures and times. In a world that often measures learning only by how well students perform on standardized tests, music allows each child to cultivate attitudes and values that are essential in developing people of character.
Our hope is that you enjoy this performance as much as we enjoy having these young men represent our school and community. Best wishes as you continue to help young people experience the depth and joy found in music!
Gordon Mohn, Superintendent
Hillsboro USD 410
