KHS Students Head to State Music Fest

Erik Wander/KMXT

Four Kodiak High School singers are in Anchorage this week taking part in the All-State Music Festival, joining some of the state’s best high school singers. They are sophomores Hazel De Los Santos and Carolyn Craig, junior Anna Polum and senior Melania DeLucia.

The girls, who have been singing together for about two years, qualified for the festival by submitting a CD of their recordings. They will perform as part of the 120-member treble choir, an ensemble of all female voices. They and their teacher, Dale Lhotka, said they are excited to participate and are approaching the opportunity with enthusiasm. Polum said she is particularly proud to represent Kodiak.

— (Polum 15 sec "It’s such a great feeling … that we’ve got talent.")

DeLucia and Craig described the varying styles of music the group sings and the ensemble will perform at the festival as eclectic, ranging from traditional to modern.

— (DeLucia/Craig 13 sec "We’re singing six different pieces … modern, fast tempo stuff.")

DeLucia, who took part in the festival as a freshman and prepared the other members of the group for what to expect, said the two days of rigorous practice leading up to the final performance can be very demanding.

— (DeLucia 60 sec "We have almost … very, very particular.")

DeLucia and Craig agreed that they’re looking forward to hearing what the larger ensemble sounds like when all the voices are brought together.

— (DeLucia/Craig 2 16 sec "I can’t wait to hear … all singing the same thing.")

De Los Santos is no stranger to travelling off-island, but she said making the trip to sing is a new and rewarding experience for her.

— (De Los Santos 9 sec "I usually go travelling …just to sing.")

The treble choir, conducted by Stan McGill of Highland Park High School in Dallas, will perform at the festival’s gala concert Saturday at 6 p.m. at West Anchorage High School. If you happen to be in Anchorage for the concert, admission is 10 dollars for adults and five dollars for students, with proceeds benefiting music education in Alaska. I’m Erik Wander.

###