Et cetera : VSHS Chamber Singers place 3rd at Onalaska, Wis.

On Friday, January 11, the VSHS Chamber Singers competed at the Onalaska Classic Concert Choir Competition in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Schools from Wisconsin and Iowa performed throughout the afternoon and evening for a panel of three judges. This year, the Chamber Singers placed in 3rd place again 10 other competing schools. Schools are not divided by size and Vinton-Shellsburg was the smallest represented school that evening. First place was awarded to Fort Dodge A'Capella (Iowa) and 2nd place to La Crosse Central Robed Choir (Wisconsin). This is the first time the Chamber Singers have placed at this competition, edging out two schools that have placed in the top three for the past 9 years. The ensemble also spent the morning at Luther College. They did a choral clinic with Dr. Andrew Last, Assistant Professor of Music. Students focused on learning advanced choral singing techniques while polishing their music for the evening competition. Dr. Last applauded the students on their preparation, work ethic, and musicality. "You have something special here," said Dr. Last. "Push yourselves and commit yourself to your music and you will go far." The Chamber Singers will compete in Omaha on February 15th and the Cedar Rapids Jefferson competition on March 8th. The Chamber Singers will also have appearances at the ECICDA Honor Choir hosted in Vinton, the Mount Mercy Chamber Choir Festival, and several home concerts.