The Southeast Honor Music Festival, a cherished annual event, is marking its 50th year, showcasing the exceptional talents of over 110 students from across the region. Tasha Morse, Wrangell's dedicated music teacher, has been a driving force behind the festival for the past 17 years, nurturing the musical passions of her students and providing them with a platform to shine.

Harmonizing Voices and Instruments in a Celebration of Musical Excellence

A Harmonious Gathering of Talented Musicians

The Southeast Honor Music Festival is a testament to the rich musical heritage of the region, drawing together the most gifted young musicians from across Southeast Alaska. This year's event, held from October 20th to 22nd in Petersburg, saw the participation of three exceptional students from Wrangell: Ander and Clara Edens, selected for the Honor Fest choir, and Andrei Bardin-Siekawitch, named to the band.These talented individuals were among the eight to nine high school band students and 21 choir members, comprising both high school and middle school students, under the guidance of Tasha Morse. The selection process was highly competitive, with all participants required to audition and earn their spot in the prestigious festival.

Immersing in the Art of Music-Making

The Southeast Honor Music Festival is not about competition or judgment, but rather a celebration of the pure joy of music-making. As Tasha Morse eloquently stated, "This one is just making music for music's sake." The event provides students with a unique opportunity to learn from renowned guest conductors, who bring their expertise and diverse perspectives to the table.This year's guest directors, Kym Scott, the director of choral activities at West Virginia University, and Edward F. Protzman, the director of bands and assistant professor of music education at Portland State University, shared their insights and techniques with the young musicians. Morse emphasized the invaluable learning experience, noting, "I learn as much as the kids do."

A Harmonious Showcase of Talent

The culmination of the Southeast Honor Music Festival was a captivating performance by the choir and band, showcasing the fruits of their intensive 19-hour rehearsals. The choir's repertoire included the powerful "Cantate Domino" by Jonathon P. White, the soulful "All of Me" (from "A Vision Unfolding") by Kyle Pederson, the timeless "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell, and the hauntingly beautiful "By Night" by Elaine Hagenberg.The band, on the other hand, treated the audience to a diverse selection, including the majestic "Golden Jubilee" by John Philip Sousa, the dynamic "Bock Fanfares" by Jess Langston Turner, the rhythmic "Solace Dance" by Nicole Piunno, the serene "Stillwater" by Kelijah Dunton, and the grand "Illumination: Overture for Band" by David Maslanka.These performances were the result of months of dedicated preparation, as the students worked tirelessly to perfect their parts under the guidance of their teachers. The Southeast Honor Music Festival provided them with a platform to showcase their hard work and passion for music, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed the captivating display of talent.