CHS Band and Swing Choir place 1st at organizational contest
<span>NASHVILLE - The Chester High School Concert Band and Swing Choir, "Sound Affect," competed at the IHSA Organizational Music contest on April 17. </span>
<span>The event was hosted by Nashville High School. Both Chester musical groups scored well in competition and brought home 1</span><span>st</span><span> place "Superior" ratings.</span>
<span>The organizational contest features entire groups as opposed to small ensembles or individuals. The Chester individual and ensemble students competed several weeks ago and also scored exceptionally well. </span>
<span>"I was very pleased with our performance," said Steve Colonel, CHS Band and Choral director said. "We have been really busy lately and some parts have been a bit rough at times. I encouraged the kids to relax, focus and prepare for tonight's contest." </span>
<span>The Swing Choir was first to compete. Sound Affect performed three selections: "Imagine" by Lennon/arr. Emerson; "Old Devil Moon," by Harburg & Lane/arr. Rutherford; and "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Prima/arr. Brymer.</span>
<span>Each song was judged by a panel of three judges, who rated the choir based upon nine criteria including Tone Quality; Intonation; Balance and Blend; Rhythm, Accuracy, and Precision; Interpretation; Diction; Solos; Continuity of Performance; and Performance Factors.</span>
<span>Ratings could be assigned in one of five categories: Division I or Superior; Division II or Excellent; Division III or Good; Division IV or Fair and Division V or Poor.</span>
<span>Chester received an overall performance rating of Division I or "Superior."</span>
<span>"Typically when we have a rough week in rehearsals, we often pull it all together at contest," Colonel said. "Thank goodness tonight was a good example of doing just that. Both groups buckled down and did a good job and earned a 1</span><span>st</span><span> place Division I rating of "Superior."</span>
<span>"I am very proud of the kids. Now to begin preparing for the Spring Concert." </span>
<span>Some of the various judges' comments included "You project very well;" "Your group never once broke character. Thank you;" "You were fun to watch"; Superior job;" "I love that you show what you are singing on your face" and "You love singing and you are having fun!"</span>
<span>The CHS Concert Band performed three songs including"Broadway," by Johnnie Vinson; "I Am," by Andrew Boysen, Jr. and "Commemoration Overture," by Robert Sheldon.</span>
<span>Apparently the panel of three judges also enjoyed the performance because CHS earned an overall rating of Division I or "Superior" for the combined scoring. Comments recorded by the three judges included: "Superior clarinet;" Very artistic;" "Nice vocal diction;" "Nice close;" "Nice ensemble rhythms;" and "Great singing. Well done!"</span>
<span>For those who didn't get to experience the entire performance and process, many of the songs performed by both groups will be featured at the CHS Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Colbert Gymnasium. </span>