The Vian High School Choral Competitive Ensemble traveled to Oklahoma City on April 18 to compete in the OSSAA State Vocal Music Contest (3A division) where they received top superior ratings for the third year in a row.

Soloists Katie Moore, Zayley Cheater, Rayden Fry, Eva Lee and Rayken Massey received top superior ratings, along with medals. Vian Choir received 14 state medals.

In order for the choir to even compete at the state level, they had to receive top superior ratings at OSSAA district contests back in March at Tahlequah High School to qualify for state.

“It’s been a great year of learning and competition. These students start rehearsing in June when they attend choir camp at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany,” Vian School Choir Director Christina Howard- Herriman.

Howard-Herriman said the students work through the summer and rehearse year round.

“They give up a lot of free time to rehearse and are very dedicated. That is what it takes to be successful,” she said. “Choir contests go year round and we’re constantly rehearsing for the next contest and performance. There are two seniors in this competitive group and as always, I’m sad to see them leave, but know they’ll do great things in life. Katie and Raylee will graduate in May and I’ll miss them.”

“Our group has worked really hard this year and I truly believe that they’re going to do even better in the years to come,” Moore said.

Moore will be attending Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in the fall to major in Geology.

Fry will be attending Southern New Hampshire University in the fall to major in Computer Science.

“In this competitive group there are two, two-time All-State vocalists as well, as students that placed in the top 10 for the district,” she said. “There is a lot of talent in this group and I’m proud to be able to coach them.”

The spring concert will be held at 7 p.m. on May 9, at the high school cafetorium. It is free to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. “Come out and support these wonderfully, talented kids,” Howard-Herriman concluded.