Dr. Robert Shaps, the superintendent, and Rebecca Noe, the principal, are beaming with pride as 14 Oyster River High School (ORHS) students have been selected to perform at the prestigious New Hampshire Music Educators Association (NHMEA) All-State Festival in April. This remarkable achievement showcases the exceptional talent and hard work of these students.

Unparalleled Musical Talent from Oyster River High School

Students' Preparation and Audition Process

The 14 ORHS students dedicated countless hours to preparing advanced music, scales, and excerpts. On November 23rd, they faced a panel of NHMEA judges and competed against music students from across the state. This rigorous process tested their skills and determination.For instance, Elizabeth Bessette prepared for the Mixed Chorus with unwavering focus. Devin More also put in the effort to showcase his talent in the Mixed Chorus. Gwendelyn Ickes, on the other hand, was committed to performing in the Treble Chorus. Each student's dedication was evident in their performances.

Selected Students and Their Achievements

Fourteen ORHS students were chosen to represent the school at the All-State Festival. Steffi Chen was selected for the Band, Lydia Jeong also made it in the Band category. Geneva Ruml stood out as the top-scoring alto saxophonist among all the auditionees in the state.Ethan Boysen was chosen for the Orchestra, along with Georgia Leone. Margaret O’Shea, Lanie Pavlik, Vivien Stuart, Joshua Tomlinson, and Isaac Williams also earned their spots in the Orchestra. Their achievements are a testament to their musical prowess.

Upcoming Festival and School Pride

All 14 students will now attend and perform in the All-State Festival, which will be held from April 3-5, 2025, at Concord High School and the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. The school is filled with pride as these talented students will showcase their skills on a larger stage.Superintendent Dr. Shaps expressed his pride, saying, "This accomplishment highlights the remarkable talent of our next generation of musicians and the strength of Oyster River’s music program. Our exceptional teachers and the robust musical foundation they provide for our students have made this possible." Principal Noe also added, "We are pleased and excited to have them represent Oyster River High School at the All-State Festival. Their hard work and dedication have paid off."