The Chesterton High School Drifters and Sandpipers competed Sat., Feb. 9, at the Norwell High School Show Choir Invitational in Ossian, Indiana. In a large field of competitors from three different states, both groups performed strongly and took top honors in a variety of categories.

After the preliminary round, the both the Drifters and Sandpipers were named as finalists in the evening competition. The Drifters earned the award for Best Stage Crew in the women’s division, and went into the final round in second place.

The Sandpipers finished in first place out of seventeen mixed choirs during the preliminary round, earning awards for Best Stage Crew, Best Female Soloist in a Show (senior Clarissa Bowers), and tying for Best Male Soloist in a Show (junior Max Sangerman).

In addition, the CHS Show Choir Band placed second in both the mixed and women’s divisions during the preliminary rounds. Senior Courtney Jurick was also named one of three finalists in the individual solo competition, which featured approximately fifty singers from the various schools competing at the Norwell Invitational.

During the evening competition, Chesterton’s groups again gave excellent performances. The Drifters ultimately placed second, finishing behind grand champion Lafayette Jefferson and just ahead of Fort Wayne Homestead.

The Sandpipers doubled their daytime lead over Beavercreek with a strong evening performance, taking awards for both Best Vocals and Best Choreography as well as earning the coveted overall grand championship. Other finalists included Beavercreek, OH (second), Piqua, OH (third), Fort Wayne Northrop (fourth), Fort Wayne Homestead (fifth), and Whiteland (sixth).

“We are very proud of the show choirs’ success this weekend at Norwell,” said CHS choral director Christopher Brush. “We’ve already done well at several competitions this season, but to dominate a large contest such as this highlights both the talent level and the strong work ethic which has been demonstrated by members of both groups this year. Not only are the students very skilled, but they are also highly dedicated in their pursuit of artistic excellence. We’ve known all year long that big things could happen this spring- it is such a thrill to see the performers earning recognition for all their hard work!”

“As a four-year member who hadn’t ever won a competition prior to Saturday, this contest will always be remembered as a special moment,” said Melissa Penfold, a senior member of Sandpipers. “The CHS show choirs have a long tradition of success at show choir competitions, and it’s been a few seasons since we’ve had a major win. This year’s seniors are really proud to be part of the group which put Chesterton back on top. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget!”

The CHS show choirs will now focus their attention on preparing for the “Central Sound Classic” invitational at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, to be held on Feb. 23. In addition, the groups will begin to prepare new repertoire for the upcoming ISSMA Organizational contest in April.

Please contact Donna Brown in the CHS Music Office at 983.3730 ext. 7147 for more information about these events.

Students participating in the two groups for 2007-08 include: Sandpipers Singer/Dancers Jessica Amling, Molly Johnson, Dustin Ritchea, Kaylee Annable, Courtney Jurick, Mike Ruff, Liz Biggs, Caitlin Kammerer, Max Sangerman, Clarissa Bowers, Austin Keen, Garrett Sisamis, Justin Brown, Sarah Kintzel, Jessica Stephenson, Tim Caddel, Curtis Lesnick, Lauren Thompson, Emily Chubb, Conor Livingston, Miguel Vazquez, Tony Crance, Jamie Martin, Kelsey Virden, Claire Forszt, Eli Muller, Jimmy Wilson, Mason Gastenveld, Melissa Penfold, Suzy Witek, Joey Johnson, Roz Rini and Jessica Yagac.

Band: Dan Baughman, Brian Corder, Matt Ols, Brian Corder, Neil Hicks, Anna Pesut, Brittany Corder, Chris Jones, Beau Rasco, Charlie Cross, Andrew Kay, Emily Roman, Tori DeMoss, Ryan Leeth, Bre White, Walter Helminksi, Brian Moore and Casey White.

Crew are Dan Koch and Kirsten Ullman.

Drifters Singer/Dancers: Emily Allmon, Kendra Kolb, Katrina Roman, Chelsea Coons, Kari Krafft, Rachel Saylor, Gabby Glauser, Jenna Norgaard, Elizabeth Sullivan, Kaitlyn Griffin, Colleen O’Keefe, Angel Thornton, Maddie Hunt, Dani Paliga, Emma Vanek, Ali Johnson, Anna Pesut, Nicole Vasconi, Cary Johnson, Kelsy Ralph, Sara West, Allie Katsahnias, Ariel Roberts and Maria Zakhar.

The same band and crew work for both groups.

Posted 2/15/2008