For the first time in LOHS history, the LOHS Choir has won the OSAA 6A State Championships. Before qualifying for State, they won the Three Rivers League, placing first and earning a guaranteed spot at state.
Last year, LOHS placed second in the state, ending just three points behind West Salem. However, this year LOHS beat out West Salem, Oregon City, South Salem and St. Mary’s Academy to finish in first place. They were every judge’s top score of the day, receiving a superior ranking.
In addition to accomplishing a school first, LOHS Choir reached the Oregon record books. Their score of 349 places them firmly in second place for the highest score ever earned at the Choir State Championships. It ties them with Sprague’s score in 2008, and they are one point off Putnam’s historical record of 350 points, also from 2008.
Choir began preparing for competition when second semester first started. “We get our music and just start to work through it and figure out harmonies and rhythms,” senior Roark Smith explained. “We also spend lots of time practicing our sight reading because that is also part of the scoring at State.”
Leading up to the competition, the choir worked extremely hard. They held several four-hour practices in the days leading up to State and Districts, ultimately making time for practices during Support Seminar in addition to using class time. Senior Kate Eames said, “We had a two hour rehearsal the day of State at 11 or 12 so we could practice our set and nail everything down. It’s a lot of work but absolutely worth it.”
The supportive team dynamic also contributed to the choir’s win at both State and Districts. Junior Callie Schmitke stated, “We were so united and close. It became a community, and everyone connected and found their friends in choir. We would all do anything for each other, and we love each other so much. I think that’s a lot of the reason we did so well at State. Everyone wanted to do their best for the other people in the choir.”
In addition to team collaboration, Eames credited choir director Tara Bamford for the group’s success. Eames commented, “She puts in more work and time on us than she has to, and goes above and beyond in her directing. Our team only really works because she is there to help coach us.”
Thus, once again, LOHS has reaffirmed its edge over Lakeridge by becoming the first school in the school district to win the Choir State Championships.
