All-State Choir

Three students from the Sidney High School Choir were chosen from over 2,500 auditions to be members of the 2013 Nebraska All-State Choir to be held in Lincoln on Nov. 21-23.

Those chosen were Casey Baldwin (Soprano I), Andrew Phelps (Bass I) and Jonathon Stokes (Tenor I). Additionally three alternates were chosen from Sidney High School including Kylie Ellwanger, Karli Jones and Megan Neal.

The Sidney Singers, a Sidney High School select choir chosen by audition, competed in the "Old West Choir Fest" at Scottsbluff High School on Nov. 2.

The Sidney group earned a Silver Award at the competition as well as the Class Act Award. The Class Act Award goes to the choir which best exemplifies the spirit of musicianship both on and off the stage.

As one of 15 show choirs from Nebraska and Colorado, the Sidney Singers were one of seven choirs which were invited back in the evening to compete in the "Best of the Fest" competition.

Despite Sidney High School Music Director David Mead missing significant rehearsal time with the group due to emergency surgery, the group continued by practicing on its own.

"The members of the Sidney Singers definitely deserve the Class Act Award," said Mead. "The kids took control of the situation and did not miss a beat. They continued rehearsing, arranged choreography rehearsals, supplied props for the songs and took care of everytlhing that needed to be done."

Mead also wanted to recognize Sidney High School Principal Chris Arent for opening up the school in the morning and acting as sponsor so the group could rehearse.