With Voices and Instruments, WHS Students Compete with High Hopes for State Competition.
By Annamaria Morrill
It has been a busy season for WHS band and choir as both classes are preparing for the spring concert on March 7th. The band recently took part of district band competition in St. Helens, and many students also participated in annual high school solo competitions in Tillamook.
WHS choir student, Kara Dowaliby, sang the Italian song “Vittoria Mio Core” in front of a supportive audience of family members, music teachers, and fellow students. Kara performed beautifully and didn’t hesitate as the judge, Steve Peters, requested her to sing the song multiple times to improve her original performance. With his instruction, the audience experienced a powerful and confident performance about the “victory of heart after being freed from a troubled love” by Miss Dowaliby.
Kara Dowaliby getting instructions from a judge, Steve Peters.
Submitted Photo
Sam Long, WHS senior, was noted for his musical talent as Sam delivered a heartfelt performance of the traditional folksong, “Black is the Color of my True Love’s Hair”. The song was sung to a woman in the audience at the judge’s request. “To understand the message of the lyrics is the key to more expressive performance,” Mr. Peters explained.
WHS senior Sam Long performing a traditional folksong.
Submitted Photo
With a French Horn as her solo instrument, Isabella Morrill played on the big stage in the auditorium. As a freshman, this was her first time competing solo at the high school level. Miss Morrill confessed it made her nervous. “This was a really good experience though, and I am happy to see that I have made improvements with the instrument”, Isabella said after her performance.
Isabella Morrill, Serena Moha, and Kara Dowaliby at solo competition in Tillamook.
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These were some highlights from the Music District 3 solo competitions that were held in Tillamook last Saturday. Warrenton High School sent 19 students from the band and 4 students from the choir to compete for state competitions to be held later in April. So far, Robert Barber, a very talented clarinet player is the only student qualifying to go to state.
WHS belongs geographically in the Music District 3 which covers all sized schools in Washington County west of Hillsboro including Tillamook, Clatsop, Columbia, and Yamhill counties, excluding Newberg and McMinnville. The chairman of this district is WHS band and choir director, Michael McClure.
Mr. McClure is very proud of his students who performed in Tillamook. “This can be very nerve wracking, but it will help them to become better musicians. They learn a lot when they can only rely on themselves and not hide behind a big group”, he says.
“The big thing is that WHS students will be competing against all school sizes, some being from very affluent and dominant music programs. We usually have 1-3 students making it to state”, Mr. McClure says.
The band competition held in St. Helens on February 28th was just the beginning of its season. “I was happy with the scores the band received as it shows where we are today–very close to qualifying scores, but still in need for improvement”, Mr. McClure says. The next competition will be a League event in Clatskanie on April 12th.
Student success is very important
Michael McClure and his wife, a middle school English, math and choir teacher, Amanda McClure, are very involved and committed to their students’ success. They often help the students to work on their instruments or their vocal skills during lunch hour and after school. Amanda McClure is also helping in the competitions as an accompanist. This year she played piano with 18 performances in Tillamook, and last year she helped 40 students with the middle school competitions.
WHS music director Michael McClure watching solo competition .
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“I would like to recognize a couple of people whose help has been so valuable in making the music program successful”, Mr. McClure stated. Christy Chitwood has been helping with the choir as an accompanist for many years, and a former WHS music director John Hammond has been supporting the program in various ways after his retirement in 2012. “Mr. Hammond is very active in music and routinely travels to different schools to help with their band programs. He’s a big help to us in preparing for the competitions and concerts”, said Mr. McClure. He welcomes everyone to enjoy the Spring concert that will be held on March 7th at 7PM at WHS gymnasium.
Christy Chitwood has been helping as an accompanist.
Submitted Photo
