The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Middle School students make sweet music
Chardon Middle School fifth-graders Keelie Hagan and SJ Moore and fourth-graders Abran Gonzales, Nate Latessa, Charlotte Polak and Zoe Williams have used their outstanding vocal talents and Hilltopper commitment to pave the way to a prestigious achievement for each — acceptance into the Ohio Music Education Association’s 2024 All-State Children’s Chorus, according to a release from the district.
As members of this elite chorus, the six Hilltoppers advanced to the OMEA Professional Development Conference in Columbus on Feb. 1 where they were to perform in concert with 130 of the best elementary school vocalists in Ohio.
The choir was to participate in an all-day rehearsal with guest conductor Tom Shelton at the Columbus Convention Center and sing in concert at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom as part of the conference’s student showcase. Shelton is an associate professor of Sacred Music at Westminster Choir College; the director of the Children’s and Youth Choirs at Princeton United Methodist Church; and conductor of the Westminster Neighborhood Children’s Choir.
Chardon Schools elementary music teacher Sam Puterbaugh and CMS music teacher Vanessa Allen prepared the Chardon students for the state event, including the chaperoning of the Hilltoppers for regional rehearsals held at Nordonia High School with 50 Northeast Ohio student vocalists, the release stated.
The six Hilltoppers were notified of their acceptance into the OMEA’s 2024 AllState Children’s Chorus last fall following spring auditions under the leadership of Chardon Schools music faculty, including Puterbaugh.
Chardon Crescendo Club sponsored the Chardon students’ audition entry fees, the release stated.