May 5, 2023

What a wonderful achievement for our ladies and choir teacher, Mr. Joseph Ostrand. The eight students meet at zero period every school day from 7:20 am to 8:10 am.  Their commitment to the ensemble paid off when they placed second in the District 2 competition, and qualified for State.  The PCS Vocal Ensemble was one of 14 Oregon schools who was were invited to participate in the State Chamber Treble Ensemble Competition! They performed two songs and placed third. What makes this even more special is that they placed right behind two very large public schools (David Douglas HS and West Linn HS) who are both in the 6A category.

From left: Susan Asaya, Sarah Asaya, Anna Humphrey, Leah Zallee, Mr. Joseph Ostrand, Bella Orfield, Olivia Holmstedt, Emma Ortman, Naomie Wagner

The ladies who sing a variety of parts from soprano to alto, and Mr. Ostrand, were also participating in the PCS Drama Department spring musical. They were either performers in the musical or in the pit orchestra! The spring musical and the competition fell on the same weekend.  As senior Sarah Asaya noted, “we were at school from 7:20 am to 10 pm on rehearsal days!”

In alphabetical order, the students are (listed with their role in the musical as well):

Sarah Asaya (viola, pit orchestra) – 12th grade

Susan Asaya (violin, pit orchestra) – 10th grade

Olivia Holmstedt (Diana Barry) – 11th grade

Anna Humphrey (Anne Shirley) – 12th grade

Bella Orfield (Mrs. Pye) – 11th grade

Emma Ortman (Josie Pye) – 10th grade

Naomie Wagner (flute, pit orchestra) – 12th grade

Leah Zallee (Miss. Stacy) – 12th grade

This is a huge accomplishment especially for the seniors in the ensemble who’ve spent much time and energy during their high school years committed to the class.  They all shared how pleased they are with third place.  Emma Ortman expressed it best, “it is crazy … we worked so hard … and our performance was the best we ever sounded!”

Congratulations to Mr. Ostrand and ladies!!!!

Upcoming important events:

May 12:  High School Concert Band is competing at OSAA State Competition. PCS is one of 8 schools in the 1A/2A league.

May 16: Culminating Spring Concert at the San Rafael PCS Jr/Sr High School campus. Come hear the Vocal Ensemble, Jr High Choir and Band, Sr High Concert Choir and Concert Band.

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Words by Grace Dugger