Canyon Ridge High School choir and band students attended State on May 2nd and 3rd at Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello. Ten choir solos and ensembles were chosen for the competition, with an additional two members as alternates. In band, two brass quintets, a flute quartet, and a baritone sax soloist were chosen.
Various choir solo and ensemble performances placed within the top 20 at State, with two ensembles placing in the top 3. Andrew Williams, Cael McKee, Braden Barfuss, and Johnathan Webb completed a tenor/bass ensemble, taking first place in the category. Additionally, Alexa Balderas, Jacob Palmer, Walter Miskin, and Harlee Anderson took third place in the mixed ensemble category.
“When they announced the first-place winners that night, my group and I went wild. We had won State and beat all the others. We had definitely grown and gotten better as a group throughout the past year,” said Braden Barfuss, a junior choir member who participated in the barbershop quartet that took first place at State. “Placing first at State was a huge accomplishment, and I think that the accomplishment was well earned.”
The chosen members advanced to State after successful performances that were competed at the District festival held at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) on March 4, 2025.
The District festival is an event in which solos and ensembles have the option to compete against other students from around the District for a spot at the State competition. Adjudicators listen to performances and give a score based on different criteria such as tone quality, performance, articulation, etc. Hitting these marks and receiving a “superior”, the highest score, may qualify students for the State competition. Each competitor must be in the highest top three scores and have a “superior” rating.
Students chose their ensemble members and pieces in December and have dedicated months of practice, both in and outside of class, to prepare.
Choir student and senior Alexandria Balderas, who qualified in a solo, quartet, and quintet, said, “This year is more special for me because I qualified for all three songs… There was a lot of time and dedication put into it to get to State.”
Fellow senior choir student Jacob Palmer, who also returned to State, explained, “We started practicing outside of time given in class and even during lunch, either reducing the time heavily or just skipping it entirely.” He added, “We still have some dents, but nothing that can’t be buffed out before State.”
“[Being chosen for State] was exalting. I was over the moon excited. I wasn’t expecting to get in this year because this is my first year competing in Districts solo and ensemble. This year was like my practice run, and next year was going to be the real deal, but when I found out I made it to State this year I was so excited,” said Mercedes Rodemack, a junior choir student, “I’m super nervous because I’m going against the best of the best in the State of Idaho. I’m not expecting much, and I’m okay with that. I’m just happy to go.”
Choir teacher and director, Ms. Amanda Hall said, “I’m just really excited that we had so many make State. That’s the largest number I’ve ever had make State… So I’m really excited that the program is growing enough to have that many kids make State.”
CRHS band teacher and director, Joy Atkin, said, “I’m really proud of all of the kids that participated and all of the kids that are going. Our Canyon Ridge band and orchestra haven’t really been strong in this aspect for a while, so to have fifteen kids going is really special, and I’m just very proud as a teacher. I knew that our kids have the talent to go to State.”
Sophomore flutist Thomas Fillmore admitted that he wasn’t surprised he was chosen for State because of the great team members of the ensemble who have been working extremely hard throughout the year. “We’ve been working hard in-and-out of school to perfect our music and build friendships. I am highly confident in our small ensemble’s ability to perform our piece. I am incredibly proud of the growth and friendships that we’ve made.”
Juliana Green, a senior french hornist said, “When we performed [our ensemble] for the judge at Districts, it wasn’t our best playthrough of the song, so I think we were all equally surprised to hear that we made it, but I’m also excited and think I can learn a lot from the experience, and I’m pretty glad that I get to go my senior year. Regardless of what we score, the experience will make it worth going.”
According to Mrs. Atkin, solo and ensemble District competition only sends two groups or solos from each category. It is a very competitive festival, and only talented groups advance to State.
Kaija Stevens, a sophomore flutist was chosen as first alternate for State. However, weeks later, the quartet she participated in received the news that they were going to State. “I have to admit, after the shock of it all wore off, I kicked and giggled like a little schoolgirl, so giddy with excitement, ready to burst and tell the whole world all about it. In all honesty, it still doesn’t feel real.”
“One of the things I’m trying to do is change the culture of music here to be more of, ‘yeah it’s fun, but let’s take it up a notch,’” Mrs. Atkin explained.
