Seniors Stella Begnal, Brandon Kanell, Sarah Mateer, Sarah Gido, and Ethan Kopicko were privileged to participate in the PMEA District 5 choir festival January 16-17.

The festival was held at Greenville High School. The choir performed I Will Praise Thee O Lord, Dona Nobis Pacem, Salvation Is Created, A Palette to Paint Us As We Are, No Mirrors in My Nana’s House, The Music of Stillness, and Chindia.

Choir members represented 42 different schools and a total of 168 students had the honor of participating in this festival.

“Districts was such an unforgettable experience. Even though there were some stressful times in rehearsal, we came together at the concert to produce beautiful music. Also having a conductor [originally] from England was fun,” said Kanell.

The choir was conducted by Dr. Christopher Kiver. Dr. Kiver graduated from the University of London, Florida State University, and the University of Michigan. Dr. Kiver is currently the Director of Music at the University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College and is also Penn State’s Director of Concert Choir and Glee Club.

“District Choir was a fun learning experience. I am happy that I was able to have an amazing time learning from Dr. Kiver and have fun with my friends throughout our district,” said Gido.

“I’m very proud of all of our students, and the concert was absolutely fantastic,” said Beaver Area High School Choir Director Mrs. Susan Metelsky.

Thank you to all students who represented Beaver Area a High School at the festival, and a special congratulations to Gido, Kanell, and Begnal, who qualified to participate in the PMEA Region 1 choir festival in late February.