Contact:
Kelly Misch
Communications Director
Chardon Local Schools
440.286.0409
State-Bound Student Vocalists
We Believe High-Quality Learning Experiences are Essential for All Students
January 26, 2024 — Congratulations to Chardon Middle School fifth-graders Keelie Hagan and SJ Moore and fourth-graders Abran Gonzales, Nate Latessa, Charlotte Polak and Zoe Williams whose outstanding vocal talents and Hilltopper commitment paved the way to a prestigious achievement for each — acceptance into the Ohio Music Education Association's 2024 All-State Children's Chorus.
As members of this elite chorus, the six Hilltoppers are headed to the OMEA Professional Development Conference in Columbus on Feb. 1 where they will sing in concert with 130 of the best elementary school vocalists in Ohio.
Students will participate in an all-day rehearsal with guest conductor Mr. Tom Shelton at the Columbus Convention Center and perform at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom at 5 p.m. as part of the conference's student showcase. Mr. Shelton is an associate professor of Sacred Music at Westminster Choir College; the director of the Children's and Youth Choirs at Princeton United Methodist Church; and conductor of the Westminster Neighborhood Children’s Choir. (l to r) Chardon Schools elementary music teacher Sam Puterbaugh and Chardon Middle School music teacher Vanessa Allen
(Pastor Photography)
Thank you to Chardon Schools elementary music teacher Mrs. Sam Puterbaugh and CMS music teacher Mrs. Vanessa Allen for their leadership in supporting and preparing Chardon students for the state event, including Hilltopper chaperone duty for regional rehearsals with 50 Northeast Ohio student vocalists. Regional rehearsals were held at Nordonia High School.
(l to r) Chardon Middle School fifth-graders Keelie Hagan and SJ Moore sing their hearts out during an
Ohio Music Education Association 2024 All-State Children's Chorus regional rehearsal at Nordonia High School on Dec. 16
The six Chardon students were notified of their acceptance into the OMEA’s 2024 All-State Children’s Chorus last fall following spring auditions under the leadership of Chardon Schools music faculty. Auditions included the pieces America the Beautiful - Key of C Major, A Cappella and O Music by Lowell Mason - Key of F or G Major, A Cappella.
Chardon Crescendo Club generously sponsored the Chardon students' audition entry fees.
Congratulations to Keelie, SJ, Abran, Nate, Charlotte and Zoe on their high achievement and best wishes for a #TopperUp adventure in musical excellence in Columbus!
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