This past Saturday, February 22nd, eleven talented vocal students from Weiser competed in the Idaho Music Education Association (IMEA) district competition for vocal solos at The Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. This annual event provides students the opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities and qualify for the highly competitive state-level competition.
Weiser had six students qualify as district finalists, demonstrating outstanding vocal performances:
Soprano division- Olivia Sanders, Hali Blanchard, and Alternate- Emma Kaprielian
Mezzo-Soprano division- Ashlynn Strasser
Tenor division- Riggin Roberts
Baritone division- Etienne Pomo
Olivia Sanders has now competed and qualified at the district level for the fourth time and will be advancing to the state competition. At the state level, competitors face a higher level of challenge, performing against students from all over Idaho. Last year, as a junior, Olivia placed second in the entire state. This weekend, she performed the operatic aria La Zingara by Donizetti. In addition to her solo achievements, Olivia is preparing for her role as one of the brides in Weiser High School’s upcoming production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Hali Blanchard will also be advancing to state for the third time. She impressed the judges with her performance of the art song Everywhere I Look by Molly Carew. Hali is also preparing to take center stage as the lead role of Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. In addition to her performance, Hali is playing a key role behind the scenes, working on the costumes and choreographing the show.
Emma Kaprielian secured the important position of alternate at state. If any finalist is unable to compete, she will step in. Emma performed Down In The Forest by Landon Ronald, captivating the audience with her mature and stunning voice. Her performance was a challenge, requiring precise control of dynamics, yet she executed it with grace and ease.
Ashlynn Strasser will be making her second appearance at state. She sang a beautifully delicate rendition of Silent Noon by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Like Olivia, Ashlynn is also set to perform as one of the brides in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
This marks Riggin Roberts’ first time competing at the district and state level. A dedicated wrestler, Riggin had previously faced conflicts with wrestling tournaments, but this year, he made the decision to forgo wrestling in order to compete. The judges were thoroughly impressed by his performance of Go, Lovely, Rose by Roger Quilter. His Irish tenor voice added a rich texture to the piece. Riggin is also preparing for his role as one of the brothers in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Etienne Pomo is also a first-time competitor. Despite having only a month to prepare his piece while also playing the lead role of Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, he delivered a remarkable performance. The judges praised his heartfelt rendition of I Wonder As I Wander by John Jacob Niles.
All six finalists are seniors, making this competition a significant milestone in their high school vocal careers. Their performances were accompanied by the talented pianist Lara Tolman, who played for all eleven Weiser competitors. Lara’s dedication extended beyond performance day, as she spent countless hours practicing with the students and traveling to Nampa for the competition.
The state competition will take place on Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd in Pocatello. We wish our Weiser vocalists the best as they prepare for this exciting challenge!
All competitors from Weiser were Olivia Sanders, Hali Blanchard, Emma Kaprielian, Rachel Watkins, Caitlyn Hobbesiefken, Suzy Zook, Ashlynn Strasser, Heidi Williams, Isabella Duncan, Riggin Roberts, and Etienne Pomo.
Congratulations to all our students for their dedication and outstanding performances!
