Swing Choir, “Sound Affect”; Senior Awards; Jazz Band; Music Awards; Concert Choir; Theatre Awards; and Concert Band, highlight wonderful year of music
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Tuesday May 7 Chester High School Music Department hosted its Annual Spring Concert at CHS Colbert Memorial Gymnasium. The event began at 7:30 p.m. and ended at approximately 9:15 p.m.
The event featured the CHS Swing Choir, “Sound Affect”; Class of 2024 Senior Awards; the CHS Jazz Band; 2024 Music Awards; the Concert Choir; 2024 Theatre Awards; the Concert Band; and the huge Music Department 50/50 Drawing to help support the upcoming 2025 CHS Band and Swing Choir trip to Florida to perform on a Carnival Cruise Ship and to visit Universal Studios.
CHS introduced everyone to the brand new high-tech sound system that has recently been installed in Colbert Gym as well as the huge video screen which features a 20 X 10-foot state of the art screen which drops from the ceiling.
WELCOME
Steve Colonel, CHS Band and Choral Director, welcomed everyone to the Annual CHS Spring Concert. He explained the itinerary for the evening and introduced CHS Principal Jeremy Blechle, Assistant Principal, Robin Barton, and Accompanist, Vicky Beers. Everyone was asked to silence or turn off all cell phones.
Mr. Colonel announced that in lieu of printed programs, all concert information and announcements would appear on the video screen. This would save paper and allow everyone to view the program material in large print on the screen.
CHS SWING CHOIR, “SOUND AFFECT”
The CHS Swing Choir performed three selections in its portion of the concert. The performances included not only singing, but choreography and dancing.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, by Nicholas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, Arr. by Roger Emerson. The Swing Choir opened with this #1 hit from 1970 by Dianna Ross. This song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Sound Affect rocked this number much to the pleasure of a packed house.
“Corner of the Sky” (from Pippin) by Stephen Schwartz, Arr. by Teena Chin. CHS sophmore, Jason Sibley started off this song with a vocal solo. The 70’s Broadway musical “Pippin” introduced this lovely song that is as timely today as when it was first written. Its idealism is positively contagious. The Swing Choir’s added sign language adds a powerful impact on the performance.
“Come Alive” (from The Greatest Showman) by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Arr. by Mark Brymer. Sound Affect closed out its portion of the show with this bombastic and electrifying number from the record-smashing soundtrack of this hit production. The Swing Choir gave everyone a high octane conclusion to its final selection.
RECOGNITION OF FOUR-YEAR SENIORS IN BAND AND CHOIR
A long-time tradition was continued this year as Mr. Colonel recognized the senior members of the band and choir who had performed all four years in band and/and choir. This portion of the Annual Spring Concert is a favorite as seniority of students is recognized and honored.
Chorus
There was only one member of the chorus that had been a consistent member all four years of his career at CHS. This 4-year senior is Ice Smith. He received a plaque for his dedication to the chorus. Mr. Colonel noted that in recent years scheduling issues have created situations which sometimes prohibit students from participating in the choral classes.
Band
The Class of 2024 had 16 students that were able to participate in band all four years. These students received plaques and were recognized at the ceremony. The 16 Four Year Seniors included Josalynn Anaya, Joel Buskohl, Josh Casteel, Gavin Cowan, Chase Gilbert, Garret Hopkins, Haley Hoskin, Jessica Ixcoy, Hannah Kaempfe, Rylie McDonough, Aden McFarland, Chloe Miller, Ash Pfeiffer, Isaiah Roth, David Sullivan, and Mason Werner.
CHS JAZZ BAND
The CHS Jazz Band performed four selections for its portion of the concert. The group was impressive with its wide range of talents and ability to entertain the audience.
“Tu Valor” (Your Value), by Michele Fernandez. The Jazz Band opened with “Tu Valor” which means “Your Value”. This tune is a composition that features a tuneful melody in a cha-cha style. CHS senior Rylie McDonough was featured with a tenor saxophone solo. The performance was a great way to open this portion of the concert.
“Soft and Easy”, by Terry White. In the style of “Lil’ Darlin”, this song delivered the same swing-ballad style. Just as the title suggests, the tempo of this tune was slow and easy. The audience seemed to enjoy his peaceful change of pace.
“Pass the Hot Sauce”, by Brad Ciechomski. The third song of the Jazz Band set was just as the title suggests. The hot Latin groove utilized authentic traditional rhythms and repletion. The song really turned up the heat in Colbert Gymnasium.
“Pass the Hot Sauce” featured soloists Will Welge, Josh Casteel, and Jaden Lopez, who used rhythmic energy of soca, or soul music, and had a connection to African-American and Trinidadian traditions. The CHS percussion and rhythm section also added a definite flare to this number. This was definitely a crowd favorite.
“Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky”), by Bill Conti, and Arr. by Victor Lopez. The Jazz Band closed its show with a popular song from the hit movie, “Rocky”. Senior Josh Careel (trumpet) and junior Max Blechle (Drums) had featured solos in the crowd-pleaser.
“Rocky” was inspiring, triumphant, powerful and noble. Maynard Ferguson made this tune famous as “Gonna Fly Now” is now a great classic. The CHS Jazz Band did the song justice and had everyone in the house tapping their feet and rockin’ in their seats!
PRESENTATION OF MUSIC AWARDS
A very highly anticipated and welcomed portion of every CHS Spring Concert is the presentation of the Annual Music Department Awards. This year was no exception. Mr. Colonel presented eight (8) awards along with biographical sketches of why each recipient was worthy of the honor.
Band Awards
Arion Award for Band. This award goes to the top or most outstanding Band Member. The 2024 Arion Award was earned by senior Garret Hopkins.
Runner-Up Arion Award for Band. This year’s runner-up to the Arion Award winner was senior Chase Gilbert.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. (In memory of former CHS Jazz Musician Brad Eggemeyer). Eggemeyer was a dedicated musician at Chester High School that graduated in 2011. Brad was highly interested in jazz, but was a key member in all other instrumental endeavors at CHS.
This award was initiated by Brad’s parents Dave Eggemeyer and Lisa Eggemeyer Keener. The award is coordinated by Mr. Colonel and the Chester Music Patrons. The parents funded the award with memorials donated in memory of Brad when he was tragically killed in an automobile accident. The 2024 Jazz Award was earned by senior Josh Casteel (Trumpet).
Wayne Thorne Memorial Award. Wayne Thorne was an iconic CHS Band Director in the 50’s and early 60’s. Upon his death, the Wayne Thorne Memorial was established. The recipient of the award is a service award and presented to the band member, usually a senior, that is the most dedicated to the band and provides the most and best service to the program.
The recipient of the 2024 Wayne Thorne Memorial Award for Service to the Band was senior Baritone Saxophone player, Isaiah Roth.
Frederick Allmeyer Memorial Award. Frederick Allmeyer was a talented saxophone player in the YellowJacket band programs back in the late 60’s. He played under the direction of John Birchler, and was a key component of the program. His sophomore year is when “Freddie” really stepped up and began to shine.
After graduation he joined the service and was sent to Vietnam where he died in action. It was after that event that the Frederick Allmeyer Memorial Award was established. The award goes to the most improved sophomore musician. The 2024 Frederick Allmeyer Award was presented to sophomore percussionist, David August.
Choir Awards
Arion Award for Choir. The Arion Award for Choir is presented to the Most Outstanding Choir member. The 2024 Arion Award was earned by senior Hannah Kaempfe.
Runner-Up Arion Award for Choir. The 2024 Runner-Up for the Arion Award for Choir was earned by Kaci Trost.
Amanda Kahre Memorial Award. This award is presented to the Most Improved First-Year Swing Choir Member. Amanda Kahre was a first year swing choir member in her senior year at CHS (2004-2005). She was tragically killed in an automobile accident her senior year. The Amanda Kahre Award was created to keep her memory alive. The 2024 Amanda Kahre Award winner was presented to sophomore, Jason Sibley.
CHS CONCERT CHOIR
The Concert Choir sang four selections in its portion of the concert including, “We Can Dream”, “Light of Grace”, “Good News! Chariot’s A-Comin’”, and “A Million Dreams”.
“We Can Dream”, by Pinkzebra. This song was a beautiful, inspiring and emotionally uplifting song about looking towards the future with optimism, freedom, and a love for life. The performance had a wonderful ability to take the audience to a place where the impossible becomes possible. What a great way to start off the Concert Choir portion of the show.
“Light of Grace”, by Andy Beck. This song featured soloist Megan Zimmer, a sophomore. This tune was a warm and heartfelt adaption of traditional Irish and English texts. A gentle piano figure, played by accompanist Vicky Beers, supported flowing lines that concluded with a very popular American Folk Hymn. Megan Zimmer did a wonderful job of performing her solo.
“Good News! Chariot’s A-Comin”, Traditional, Arr. Roger Emerson. This familiar and popular gospel song was adventurous, powerful, and dramatic. It featured interesting harmonies and a driving accompaniment. The audience was filled with hope as the Concert Choir presented this lively tune!
“A Million Dreams” (From the Greatest Showman), by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Arr. Roger Emerson. This song was made popular by the blockbuster movie, “The Greatest Showman”. The power of dreaming and imagination took center stage in this choral feature.
A memorable melody and inspirational text convey a message of confidence, tolerance, and a broader perspective into the human condition. The Concert Choir couldn’t have picked a better song to conclude the evening’s performance.
PRESENTATION OF 2024 THEATRE AWARDS
At the end of last school year Rana Hodge, former CHS Theatre Director, decided to resign her position as the head of that department. As the new school year rapidly approached, and no one had expressed interest in that position, Steve Colonel, CHS Music Director, made the decision to accept the role of CHS Theatre Director.
In his first year in that role, Colonel decided to return the annual theatre project to presenting a musical. In the spring of 2023-24 CHS presented a hugely successful musical, “The Pajama Game”. After two years without a musical, the school and community were more than ready for a musical and the results were fantastically successful.
At the Annual Spring Concert each year it has become tradition to present Theatre Awards for the respective theatre production of that school year.
Mr. Colonel took the opportunity this year to present a total of 10 awards including two (2) Outstanding Vocalist awards, one male and one female; three (3) Outstanding Characterization Awards; three Director’s Awards, and two (2) Four Year Senior Awards.
Outstanding Vocalist Awards
Female: Megan Zimmer
Male: Jaden Lopez
Outstanding Characterization Awards
Ary Shipley for the role of Gladys
Hannah Kaempfe for the role of Mabel
Jason Sibley for the role of Hines
Director’s Awards for Dedication and Commitment
Aden McFarland (Manager)
Rylie McDonough (Manager)
Elizabeth Wilson (Manager)
“Four-Year” Senior Awards for Commitment and Dedication
Aden McFarland
Rylie McDonough
CHS CONCERT BAND
To close out the 2024 Annual Spring Concert the CHS Concert Band performed for selections including “Excelsior Galop”, “Mountain Thyme”, “The Cowboys”, and “Africa”.
“Excelsior Galop”, by Karl King and Arr. by James Swearington. Karl King was one of the most prolific and popular composers in the history of band music, having composed 291 songs including 185 marches and 12 galops. “Excelsior Galop” was a 1910 masterpiece which was given a fresh new setting by arranger James Swearington. The lively tune began the Concert Band portion of the concert with pizzazz!
“Mountain Thyme”, by Samuel R. Hazo. This song was written as a favor in memory of the son of the Westlake High School Band Director in Saratoga Springs, Utah, Brek Mangelson. It was difficult for Samuel R. Hazo to compose this very emotional piece in light of the fact that Mangelson’s 2-year-old had died from a tragic home accident. The CHS Concert Band did a wonderful job of performing this tune, especially knowing under what circumstances the song was composed.
“The Cowboys”, by John Williams and arranged by Jay Bocook. This song captured the story of the film, “The Cowboys” with an enriched musical score. John Williams did such a great job of writing film scores to accomplish this goal.
Through the music, it was easy for viewers to be transported to the “Old West” and experience the joys and hardships of cowboy life. Jay Bocook was able to arrange the song so that high school and community band were able to perform the music successfully. The YellowJacket Band did a wonderful job of bringing the show to life.
“Africa”, by Paich & Jeff Porcaro, and arranged by Jerry Davis. The Concert Band closed its four-song portion of the concert by playing “Africa”. This song was made famous by the American rock band, “Toto”. “Africa” was the final track on their fourth album titled, “Toto IV” in 1982.
The lively and rhythmic tune reached No. 1 on the United States Hot 100 chart. The infectious groove of this chart-topping hit had the audience dancing in their seats.
CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND SWING CHOIR 50/50 DRAWING
Before closing the 2024 CHS Spring Concert, Mr. Colonel conducted the 50/50 drawing to help support the 2025 Band and Swing Choir trip to Florida. The raffle raised a total of $9,555.00. The band and swing choir made $4,777.50 for the trip account and $4,777.50 was given away for the winners of the 50/50 drawing.
The winnings were divided into three different amounts with 25% going to the 1st Place winner, 15% going to the 2nd Place winner and 10% going to the 3rd Place winner. Winners are as listed below.
1st Place: John Irose ($2,388.75) Ticket sold by Grace Irose
2nd Place: Bonnie Todd ($1,433.25) Ticket sold by Erin Liefer
3rd Place: Angela Olsen ($955.50) Ticket sold by Joshua Copple
ARMED FORCES SALUTE
As a close to the 2024 CHS Spring Concert the CHS Concert Band performed a selection titled, “Armed Forces Salute”, by Bob Lowden.
Mr. Colonel said, “As our final piece, the members of the CHS Band will perform a tribute honoring the men and women of the Armed Forces. This piece includes, “The Caisson Song (Army); “Semper Paratus” (Coast Guard); “The Marines Hymn” (Marines); “The U.S. Air Force” (Air Force); and Anchors Aweigh” (Navy).”
“As each service song is played this evening, we invite veterans of that particular branch of the military to stand and be recognized by the audience. We sincerely thank all members of the Armed Forces for your service to our great nation.”
And with that honorary conclusion the 2024 Chester High School Spring Concert was brought to a patriotic close!
Pictured are the 2024 Spring Concert Music Award winners including (left to right) Jason Sibley (Amanda Kahre Memorial Award for Most Improved First Year Swing Choir Member); ); Kaci Trost (Runner-Up Arion Award for Choir); Hannah Kaempfe (Arion Award for Most Outstanding Choir Member); David August (Frederick Allmeyer Award for Most Improved Sophomore Musician); Josh Casteel (Louis Armstrong Jazz Award (In Memory of Brad Eggemeyer); Isaiah Roth (Wayne Thorne Memorial Award (Best and Most Service to Band); Chase Gilbert (Runner-Up for Arion Award); and Garret Hopkins (Arion Award for Most Outstanding Musician). Jim Beers Photo
The Chester High School Band, under the direction of Steve Colonel, performs at the 2024 Spring Concert and Awards Night Tuesday May 7. The bands played five songs to perfection including, “Excelsior Galop”; “Mountain Thyme”; “The Cowboys”; “Africa”; and “Armed Forces Salute”. Jim Beers Photo
The CHS Swing Choir, “Sound Affect” performs at the 2024 Spring Concert. The group sang and danced to three (3) tunes including, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”; “Corner of the Sky:”; and “Come Alive”. Jim Beers Photo
Jason Sibley, a CHS sophomore Swing Choir member, sings a vocal solo to kick-off the second performance of the night at the 2024 CHS Spring Concert. The song was titled, “Corner of the Sky”, from the hit production of :Pippin”, by Stephen Ashford & Valerie Simpson. The song was arranged by Teena Chin. Jim Beers Photo
Pictured are the 2024 CHS Theatre Award Winners from the spring production of “Pajama Game”. (left to right) are Megan Zimmer (Outstanding Female Vocalist); Jaden Lopez (Outstanding Male Vocalist); Jason Sibley, Ary Shipley & Hannah Kaempfe (Outstanding Characterization Awards); Aden McFarland (Director’s Award for Dedication and Commitment and a “Four-Year” Senior Award); Rylie McDonough (Director’s Award for Dedication & Commitment and a “Four Year Senior Award); and Elizabeth Wilson (Director’s Award for Dedication & Commitment). Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School sophomore, Megan Zimmer, sings a solo in the CHS Concert Choir performance of, “Light of Grace”, by Andy Beck. Zimmer was fantastic and impressed the huge crowd in attendance. Jim Beers Photo
CHS senior, Rylie McDonough, plays a Tenor Saxophone solo in the CHS Jazz Band performance of “Tu Valor”, (Your Value) by Michele Fernandez. This song opened the Jazz Band portion of the show and impressed everyone in attendance. Jim Beers Photo
Steve Colonel, CHS Choral Director, leads the CHS Concert Choir at the Annual CHS Spring Choir. The group performed four (4) songs including, “We Can Dream” by Pinkzebra; “Light of Grace”, by Andy Beck; “Good News! Chariot’s A-Comin”:, Arranged by Roger Emerson”, and “A Million Dreams”, by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Arranged by Roger Emerson.
CHS Band and Choral Director, Steve Colonel, takes time out during the Annual Chester High School Spring Concert to draw the three winners of the Band and Swing Choir 50/50 raffle to help support the upcoming 2025 trip to Florida. The Band and Swing Choir, “Sound Affect” will perform on a Carnival Cruise Ship and visit Universal Studios. 1st Prize of $2,388.75 was won by John Irose. 2nd Prize of $1,433.25 was won by Bonnie Todd. 3rd Place prize of $955.50 was won by Angela Olsen. Jim Beers Photo
CHS senior, Garret Hopkins (center), poses for a photo at the 2024 CHS Spring Concert with his proud family members. He had just been introduced as the top band award winner. Hopkins earned the Arion Award for Band recognizing him as the Most Outstanding and Dedicated Musician of 2024. Pictured (left to right) are Paternal Grandparents Jeff and Vicki Hopkins, Garret Hopkins, and Parents, Ryan and Christi Hopkins. Jim Beers Photo
Ace Smith is the only 4-Year Senior Chorus member from the Class of 2024. He was honored at the 2024 CHS Spring Concert Tuesday May 7. Jim Beers Photo
There were 16 “Four Year” Senior Band members in the Class of 2024. They were all honored and presented with a plaque at the 2024 CHS Spring Concert Tuesday May 7. Pictured (in no particular order) are Josalynn Anaya, Joel Buskohl, Josh Casteel, Gavin Cowan, Chase Gilbert, Garret Hopkins, Haley Hoskin, Jessica Ixcoy, Hannah Kaempfe, Rylie McDonough, Aden McFarland, Chloe Miller, Ash Pfeiffer, Isaiah Roth, David Sullivan, and Mason Werner. Jim Beers Photo