Four Valdez High School musicians participated in the ASAA All-State Music Festival, November 17-19.  Sophomore Haleigh Ficek and senior Gabrielle Franklin represented Valdez in the All-State Treble Choir as soprano 2 and soprano 1, respectively.  Isaac Fannin participated in the Mixed Choir as a Bass 2.  Rylee Norris played trombone in the All-State Band.

The students submitted auditions and were selected from 800+ recordings.  Once selected they learned music before the All-State weekend and once there, rehearsed for three days with the best in the state of Alaska.  The weekend culminated in a Gala Concert featuring Treble and Mixed Choirs, Orchestra, and Band in the West High School Auditorium.

“I learned so much this weekend.  I am definitely a better singer,” said Gabby Franklin, after three grueling days of rehearsals at East High under the direction of a guest conductor from an outstanding Texas high school music program.

The Gala Concert will be televised at 2pm on Thanksgiving day on GCI.

Story courtesy of VHS Music Director Ann Norris