High School Choir achieves Highest Rating at state competition

The Cook County High School Choir, directed by music teacher Erika Ternes, performed beautifully at the Minnesota State High School League’s Section 7A music competition at the University of Minnesota-Duluth on March 8. The choir performed two pieces and earned the highest rating possible, Superior.

The fledgling Cook County High School Choir rose to new heights on March 8, 2016, as it performed at the Minnesota State High School League’s Section 7A music competition at UMD. For the group’s eight freshmen and one new student, this was a first, and only the second trip to competition for the other five singers.

They performed two pieces: Eleanor Daley’s The Cloths of Heaven, and Candle Blessings from Hanukkah Cantata by Philadelphia composer David Ludwig.

Three judges, drawn from the music faculty of nearby colleges, rated the students on aspects of their performance such as tone quality, accuracy, and musicianship. All three judges gave the CCHS choir a rating of Superior, the highest possible.

The judges particularly praised the choir for its consistent, unified sound and for mastering ambitious repertoire. Candle Blessing was in the most difficult repertoire category.

Music Teacher Erika Ternes said, “It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to see other choirs and conductors and perform in a new environment.”