The Paynesville Area High School mixed choir performed three songs: “Sing Unto God,” “Miserere Mei” and “Jabula Jesu.” One of the judges gave the choir a sub-section superior and section superior rating. The other two judges gave them a sub-section superior and section excellent rating.
Two of the judges commented on the fact the men’s section overpowered the girls which was unusual....good tone, especially the bass and tenors.
The treble choir also performed three songs: “Early One Morning,” “Away From the Roll of the Sea,” and “Clap Your Hands.” Two judges gave them a sub-section superior rating and section superior. The other judge gave a sub-section superior and section excellent.
Bands
On April 17, both high school concert bands competed in Annandale. The junior-senior band performed “Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night.” Two of the judges gave the band a sub-section superior rating and a section superior. The other judge gave the band a sub-section superior rating and a section excellent rating.
“This is a very long and difficult piece based on the Dylan Thomas poem of the same name. This is one of the most difficult pieces on the band contest lists,” Bryan Mara, Paynesville Area High School band director, said.
After their performance one judge said, “It is great to see such nice music coming out of a small town.”
The freshman-sophomore band performed “Mazama, Legend of the Pacific Northwest.” Two of the judges gave the band a sub-section superior rating and a section superior. The other judge gave the band a sub-section superior rating and a section excellent rating.
“They really gave a terrific performance,” Mara said. One judge commented, “The Paynesville band program is definitely on its way up and the future looks great with this strong young band.”
“I was extremely proud of all the band students. They worked very hard to prepare and performed brilliantly under pressure,” Mara said.