CHS chorus and band win state honors (photos)

The Crestview High School chorus and band both won the highest awards possible during state-wide competition this spring, bringing home several “superiors” and “excellents” against their peers from across Florida.

Woman’s Chorus won straight “superior” ratings while the Men’s Chorus received an “excellent.” The state competition followed an exciting chorus trip to New York, where the Crestview students performed at Carnegie Hall with a mass choir composed of groups from across the country.

The chorus also performed at the Manhattan Seventh Day Adventist Church in the Greenwich Village section of the city after attending a performance of “West Side Story” at a Broadway theater. The revival has received many accolades for its innovative restaging.

The Big Red Machine was also on the road this spring, or to be more accurate, on the sea. The band enjoyed a cruise on the “Carnival Fascination” to the Bahamas, performing aboard the ship during the voyage. In port, the students and their chaperones enjoyed snorkelling, swimming with dolphins and exploring the beautiful island and its colourful markets.

Back at home, in state competition the Symphonic Band received straight superior ratings at the May 1 Florida Bandmasters Association State Concert Music Performance Assessment. The band earned the coveted Otto J. Kraushaar award for the second year in a row.

“This marks the conclusion of another very successful year for the Crestview Band,” said director Jody Dunn.