According to choir director John Myszkowski, this is the first year in his 24 years in the district that concert choir has achieved the top rating of superior at large group contest.

Concert choir performed the pieces “Dubula” and “Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind” 1 p.m. March 9 at Washburn High School

Myskowski said students memorized the music by the time of the performance, which he believes contributed to the success. He said the presence of powerful singers was also important.

“They knew (the music) really well, and we’ve got really strong singers this year,” Myszkowski said. “I think kids throughout the year have risen to the challenge of difficult music.”

Myszkowski said the judges’ critique, which often points out weaknesses in the performance, consisted mainly of positive feedback.

“Judges thought they had really good tone, very good balance, great dynamic contrast, intonation,” Myszkowski said.

Junior concert choir member Tyra Ramsey said she attributes the superior to competence with the music and skillful singers.

“We had known the songs previous to performing them, so I feel like we had a good handle on them and I feel like this year we have strong singers in each section,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey said she hopes the superior encourages choir members to work hard in the future.

“I hope that we don’t say ‘oh we got a superior, so next year we’re going to get a superior too,’” Ramsey said. “I hope that makes us work even harder.”

Going forward, Myszkowski said the choir has a busy couple of months ahead. He said the choir rehearsed for solo and ensemble contest April 14 and is currently rehearsing for the pops concert May 28.

Myskowski said a group of students is also preparing a song and a dance for the trip to Disneyland in California, which will take place April 16-19.

“39 students are working on a different piece for that and they’re putting choreography with it. They will be performing it in Disneyland and then having a Disneyland workshop,” Myszkowski said.