Today would have been another last for many seniors at NCHS. Scheduled today was the final spring concert for the NCHS Class of 2020. These students today would have been recognized for achievements in band and chorus, performed in their final concert at NCHS, and had one more moment of closure as they prepare to move on in their lives. For many of these students, it would be their final performance, but for others it would be the end of a chapter as they move forward to performing in college.
At NCHS, the band and choral department has for decades been about far more than music. During their time in the musical department, these students learn about commitment, perseverance, collaboration and how to build self confidence and pride in one’s work. In many ways, the musical performances are like sporting events, however, instead of having several games to play, their work often goes into one or a few performances.
Each note, each step, each movement, each detail has to be as perfect as possible to achieve the level of greatness NCHS is known for. To maintain that Eagle level of excellence, these musical groups practice and rehearse for hours, and continue to practice until they achieve their goal. The members are pushed to be the best they can be not only the adults around them, but also each other.
Just like sports, the musical program at NCHS is about far more than just the game or performance. It’s about hours, days, weeks, and months of work and dedication being poured into their team with the finality of that work being their performance. Unlike sports, the hard work of the players is often what is unseen to the audience. Aside from marching band, we do not see the concert band, chorus, or musical students out practicing after school. We just show up, and enjoy their hard work.
Many of the 2020 Seniors excelled in music in a variety of ways. Today, Choral Director, Jeffrey Finley recognized on social media all of the students who have participated in chorus this spring as well as the students who would have been given awards at the Spring Concert.
“The first award is the NCHS Theater Award, presented to an outstanding senior who has demonstrated exceptional talent, work ethic, and dedication to the program. This year, there are two recipients. Congratulations to Lexi Marshall and Emily Ross! Lexi is one of the narrators in this year’s production and Emily played Charlotte in last year’s production of “Cinderella”. Lexi will be attending OCC on a full music scholarship before transferring to a university. Emily will be attending EIU on a cello scholarship! Congrats, ladies!”
“The next award is a new award called the NCHS Theater Service Award. This award goes to someone who has been in multiple shows from elementary through high school and always does what is asked of her. This year’s recipient is Emily Dion. Emily is a wife in this year’s production and with the help of another student, hand drew and painted the lobby display board that you will hopefully get to see. Emily will be attending SIUE in the fall. Congrats, Emily!”
“The next award is the National School Choral Award. This award is for outstanding vocal students and leaders in the chorus program. This year’s recipients are Brianne Duncan and Jenna Zumbahlen. These girls have been stars at pops concerts, they sing at various events around the community, have been in the Star Spangled Banner Club all four years, and have that star quality a person looks for in a singer. Both girls participated in musicals. Jenna will be attending OCC on a full music scholarship. Brianne, who is one of the narrators in this year’s show, will be attending SIUE. Congrats, girls!”
“The next award is the NCHS Director’s Award for Chorus. This award goes to a student/students who exhibit a positive work ethic and attitude in class. This year’s winners are Dustin Kuhl and McCrae Goodwin! Dustin and McCrae are two of the most courteous students there are and always do their best. They’re both involved in musical and have been paired up as dance partners the last two years. Dustin will be attending LLC and McCrae will be attending school in Nashville. Congrats, kids!”
“The next award is the NCHS Choral Service Award. Similar to the musical service award, this award goes to someone who goes above and beyond for the program and always exhibits a positive attitude. This year’s recipient is Cora Buerster. Cora has been a soloist for pops concert all four years, was a soloist in one of our spring concert songs, and has been involved with musical all four years. Cora will be attending OCC in the fall and is auditioning for a full music tuition scholarship. Congrats, Cora!”
“The final award is the NCHS Music Award for Vocal Excellence. This award goes to the individual with the best technique, tone, vocal quality, and ability through all genres of music. This year’s winner is Jacelyn Street. Jacelyn is a four-time ILMEA District 5 Chorus member, is an All-State Chorus member, has received best of the day at solo/ensemble, and has been a major role of several musicals. She was cast as one of the narrators in this year’s production. Jacelyn will be attending SIUC in the fall. Congrats, Jacelyn!”
A note from Jeffrey Finley:
“I’m proud of all of you, as well as the other seniors in chorus:
Alyssa Bierman
Leah Burke
Alicia Buttery
Allyson Kuhl
Anissa Massey
Faith Rogers-Sparks
Brycelyn Simmons
Thank you for all that you’ve done for the various musical programs in school. We appreciate all you’ve contributed!”
**A Note from the owners of JC Daily News,
We have enjoyed watching each and every one of you throughout the years performing on the NCHS stage and some even before. You are a talented group and will not soon be forgotten. We are saddened to not be able to attend your final performance as we know it would have been spectacular as always! Best of luck to each and every one of you as you start a new and exciting chapter of your life.”
Alan and Mindy Hartke
