The Vian High Schools Choral Competitive Ensemble traveled to Oklahoma City on April 24 to compete in the OSSAA State Vocal Music Contest (3A division) where they received top superior ratings for the fourth year in a row.
Soloists Zayley Cheater, Rayden Fry, Eva Lee, and Anthony Ruda all received top superior ratings along with state medals. The Vian Choir received a total of 12 state medals.
In order for the choir to compete at the state level, they had to receive top superior ratings at OSSAA district contests in March at Tahlequah High School to qualify.
The students rehearse year round, even after school is out for the summer. They attend Southern Nazarene University every summer to prepare for All-State auditions for the fall. The students are currently raising funds to attend SNU’s camp for this summer.
“In the competitive group there are two AllState members that are seniors. Zayley Cheater is a three time All-State vocalist and Anthony Ruda is a one time. As always, I’ll miss them. After spending years with them, I get to know them very well and they become like my own kids,” Christina Herriman, VHS Choir Director, said.
Zayley plans to attend OSU and major in music education. Herriman said will be an amazing teacher with all her knowledge and love of music. She has dedicated years of her life to mastering music in both choir and band.
Anthony is an amazing pianist, vocalist, and percussionist. He plans on majoring in Business Administration and Piano Performance at NSU in Tahlequah.
To make a donation to help the students attend All-State Camp at SNU, donations can be dropped off at the superintendent’s office, or mailed to: Vian Public Schools, PO Box 434, Vian, OK 74962. The students will need around $2,000 for camp costs.
The annual free Spring Concert will be held at 7 p.m. on May 8, at the school cafetorium.
