Hoxie Junior-Senior High Music Department to close year with Spring Concert May 1
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Hoxie Junior-Senior High Music Department to close year with Spring Concert May 1
The students and staff of the Hoxie Jr-Sr High School Music Department are pleased to invite the public to attend their Spring Concert this Thursday, May 1, 2025, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Hoxie High School Auditorium, 1625 Queen. The public is also invited to view the Art Department's exhibits beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Spring Concert will be the culmination of their school year which has seen growth and successes at regional and state music contests as well as District and State Honor performances.
The Junior High and High School Choirs and Bands have had a busy and productive academic year under the direction of Mr. Karl Pratt, who has been serving as the JH/HS Choir Director, and Mrs. Rachel Byarlay, who has been serving as the JH/HS Band Director.
Last fall, the students kicked off their performance schedule with several joint and vocal solo performances of The National Anthem prior to athletic events. These extended through the basketball season with performances early in the new year.
Junior High choral students Aubrey Dierks, Maria Hammond, Kenzie Nondorf, and Jentry Rhodes were accepted via audition to participate in the Kansas Music Educators Association Northwest District Mini-Convention I as part of the Junior High Honor Choir on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Hays High School, Hays.
On Tuesday, Nov. 2, Hoxie Schools was honored to host the Mid-Continent League (MCEL) North Division Vocal Clinic in Hoxie with guest choirs from Phillipsburg, Smith Center, Hill City, and Norton. Each choir had the opportunity to perform two songs with the concert culminating in a full group performance of four songs under the direction of guest conductor, Alex Underwood, choral director at Hays High School USD 489, and accompanied by Sally Cameron, Hoxie.
High School choral students Cody Eller, Elliott Reuber, and Kyra Reuber were selected to participate, via audition, in the Kansas Music Educators Association Northwest District Mini-Convention II as part of the High School Honor Choir on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Fort Hays State University, Hays.
The Christmas Concert featuring the bands and choirs was held on Monday, Dec. 16 at the Hoxie High School Auditorium.
The Spring Semester brought with it growth which included four additional Junior High Choir members: Ethan Baker, Kellen Cressler, Axel Escobdeo, and Davin Wade (4th semester).
They joined in time for a busy contest season which kicked off at the end of February with the Junior High MCEL Contest at Norton. The full choir Mixed Ensemble received a II rating, the Girl’s Ensemble received a I rating, and the Boy’s Ensemble received a II rating. Jentry Rhodes received an AP “Advance Performance” rating on her vocal solo; Kenzie Nondorf, Spencer Pinzemscham, and Viley Pridey all received I ratings on their vocal solos; and Maria Hammond and Alicia Vargas Chavez received II ratings on their vocal solos.
Three Junior High Band Students also competed at the contest with Kye Scanlon receiving a I on his Xylophone solo, Campbell Scanlon receiving a I on her Trumpet solo, and Aubrey Dierks receiving a I+ on her Saxophone solo.
In late February, Mr. Pratt and Mrs. Byarlay attended the annual KMEA In-Service Workshop in Wichita which featured professional development sessions as well as state honor group rehearsals and performances.
Cody Eller was selected as an alternate to the All-State High School Mixed Choir and Jentry Rhodes was selected to participate in the All-State Middle Level Choir rehearsing and performance on Friday, Feb. 28. This was her third year to be accepted to perform in this state-level choir.
High School music students then attended the District Level Solo and Small Ensemble Contest in Oberlin on Saturday, April 5. Rose Lowry received a I rating on her vocal solo. Elliot Reuber, Lyla Vang, Kyra Reuber and Cody Eller received II ratings on their vocal solos. The Mixed Ensemble received a I rating and both the Men’s and Women’s Ensembles received a II rating, respectively.
On the band side, Lyla Vang received a I rating on her flute solo. Cody Eller on xylophone, Sarah Dardis on her saxophone solo, and the Saxophone Duet consisting of Sarah Dardis and Persephanie Sealock all received II ratings.
Students who received a I rating at the district level were invited to participate at the State 2A contest in Hillsboro on Saturday, April 26. Rose Lowry received a I rating at this higher level contest for her vocal solo. The Mixed Vocal Ensemble and Lyla Vang on her flute solo both received II ratings.
The music department would like to thank the school and community members for their support as well as Oscar’s and the Indian Pride Booster Club for providing meals and refreshments at several of our events throughout the year.
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