The vocal music department at Sabetha High School had a busy schedule in late April with Regional music contests for solos and large group competitions that were held in Atchison on Saturday, April 15, and on Thursday, April 20. The performance ratings received at the Regional competition would send individuals and music ensembles to the State competition which was held Saturday, April 29, and was hosted by Southeast of Saline High School near Gypsum.

“We qualified nine total participating solos and small ensembles this year with five solos and four ensembles,” said vocal music instructor Adam Aadalen. “We came away with four Outstanding I-ratings and five Excellent II-ratings. It was a very good day, and the students represented the reputation and talent of Sabetha High School. They met and exceeded expectations with their performances.”

In the solo category, juniors Abbey Gugelman and Harper Smith received I-ratings. Those receiving Excellent II-ratings included sophomores Audrey Herrmann and Eve Bailey, as well as freshman Ava Payne.

In the small group and large ensemble category, the Odyssey Women’s ensemble and the Infinity Women’s Ensemble both received Outstanding I-ratings. The Freshmen Women’s Ensemble and the Odyssey Men’s Ensemble both received Excellent II-ratings at the State competition.

“This year was the most solos and ensembles that I have taken to Regionals since 2017, and this was the most solos and ensembles qualifying for State since 2019,” Aadalen said. “We’ve now had an increase in participants and qualifiers two years in a row, after the Covid shutdown and the ‘virtual’ State competition in 2021. With that being said, we are headed in the right direction, and I am very proud of all the students included.”