The CHIEF February 2023

PTHS Music Update By: Hannah Ricketts

This February brings many exciting events for the band and choir at PTHS. On February 16th, the annual Winter Choral Showcase Concert took place, featuring many popular songs that we have all most likely heard of. They started the concert with the Combined Choir, which consists of every choir member squeezing on the stage and singing a few songs as one giant collective. The Chamber Choir performed three songs next, and led us right into the next group: Festival Choir. Mr. Durbin has been working with the choir multiple times a week to prepare them for the upcoming trip to Disney, where they will be performing nine songs. They showcased two of those songs at this concert. The next ensemble was Cantabile, an all-girls choir that performed three songs, including “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Next was Route 66 Jazz, which performed two pieces and dressed in their customary red and black outfits. The concert was finished off with the Concert Choir, which performed five songs and did a great job overall. At this concert, there were four featured soloists that have been working with Mr. Durbin for the Solo and Ensemble competition. Seniors Doralyn Lee, Clara Haas, and Glorianna Birkett all showcased their talents by performing their solos, doing a wonderful job. Levi Rients, a sophomore, also sang his solo at this concert because he was the highest scoring solo at the competition. Finally, the concert concluded with a special guest, Mr. McElwee, an English teacher at PTHS, who sang and played the song “Piano Man” by Billy Joel on the piano. Great job to everyone that performed, you all sounded amazing! On February 23rd, the Winter Band/Pops Concert will be held. The Concert Band will perform a few songs, including “My Shot” from the famous Hamilton Musical, and will be accompanied by a small group of singers to rap the lyrics while the band plays. The Symphonic Band will also play a number of well-known songs, such as selections from Glee. The Jazz Band has been working hard on much more difficult music for this concert, including “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder and "I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5. Lastly, band students have the opportunity to prepare solos or small ensembles that can be showcased, making up for the band not taking part in the Solo and Ensemble Competition this semester. All-in-all, this was an exciting month for the PTHS Music Department, and everyone worked hard to put on a great performance for the community. On February 8th, the FFA members held a special event for the second year Ag students where they were awarded their chapter degrees. The chapter degree is the third highest ranking degree for Ag students and is the last award that he or she can be awarded under being in the Ag classroom. The two other awards that an Ag member can be awarded are the State Degree and the American Degree. In able to earn these two awards he or she must apply for an application and do and interview to see if they qualify. If they qualify they will be recommended and move on to the rest of the qualification process. After the degrees were awarded, member headed back to the Ag classroom where a delicious taco bar was prepared for us by PTHS’ Culinary Arts teacher Chef Rowan. Games of 4-square, Corn Hole, and line dances also helped us wrap up our celebration for our new Chapter Degree owners. On the weekend of Feb. 18th, the FFA silent and live auction was held. Items sold included wood projects made by Ag classes like workbenches, flower pots and bag sets. Many alumni attended and helped set up and put items together. February in FFA By: Addisyn McKinney

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