Performing at district competition March 19 in Pendleton, the Grant Union HIgh School band earned first place in the 3A division. The group travels to Oregon State University in Corvallis May 7 for state competition.<I><BR>Contributed photo</I>

JOHN DAY – Grant Union High School band members will be making a trip to state competition after playing their hearts out at the district level in Pendleton.

Band and choir teacher Mary Ann Vidourek said the band was praised for its behavior and confidence. “One judge said that from the moment they walked on the stage, he knew they were going to be good.”

The group won first in their division and had the second highest score overall, playing “Citadel,” “Echoes from a Russian Cathedral,” “Pantheon,” featuring a trumpet solo by Nathan Roy, and their showcase piece, “Prairie Dances” written by David Holsinger, which was a 4A-level selection.

“They’re focused, and their hard work that they put forth all year paid off for them,” Vidourek said.

She said the choir had a beautiful presentation; however, they were one point shy of qualifying for the tape pool for state.

Although the singing group is smaller this year with new male singers, Vidourek noted “they did very well – they’ve come a long way.” She added that some of the singers were unable to participate due to illness.

The group sang “Cantar,” “Keep Your Lamp,” “Make Them Hear You,” “Workin’ for the Dawn of Peace” and “Nelly Bly.”

“Make Them Hear You” featured Morgan Cleaver and Preston Ake, who received praises from the judges, as did Han Byul Ru, who accompanied on the piano – she also played clarinet in the band. Vidourek noted that all three judges commented on how beautiful the opening of the song was.

“It really is a joy to travel with these kids,” Vidourek said, “because they represent our school and our community very well.”