PAXTON, IL – The PBL junior high and high school chorus groups held their annual Spring Concert this past Tuesday, May 5th. The event highlighted a busy and successful year for the program, which saw high participation levels and several top honors at both the junior high and high school levels.
Chorus Director Mrs. Tiffany Howard opened the evening by highlighting the students' journey over the past several months.
"I am incredibly proud of all our students have accomplished this year," Howard stated. "Not only have they demonstrated growth in their musical abilities, but they have also shown dedication, resilience, and a genuine passion for their craft. Our choirs participated in more performances and activities this year and each opportunity was met with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence."
Junior High Chorus:
The Junior High program delivered strong performances at both regional competitions and festivals. The 7th and 8th grade ensembles earned an "Excellent" rating at the IGSMA Organizational competition and secured a 1st Place finish in the Treble Choir division during their performance at Six Flags.
Individual & Small Group Honors:
6th Grade Superior Soloists: Lydia Busby & Hope March
7th & 8th Grade Superior Soloists: Billy Goode, Katie Piatt and Addison Townsend
IGSMA Small Ensembles (Excellent): Katie Piatt & Aubrey Kidd; Saylor Wooten & Kaydi Flessner; and the quintet of Ruby Doolen, Cameron Hoffmann, Julianna Medina, Victoria Rollberg, and April Shell
ILMEA All-District Jr. Choir Member: Elli Sinn
Outstanding 8th Grade Choir Student: April Shell
High School Chorus:
The High School department reached new heights this season, earning an IHSA "Superior" rating for the Large Group and delivering an awesome performance at the state level.
The PBL Chamber Choir stood out as a premier ensemble, earning not only a "Superior" rating at the IHSA Small Ensemble competition but also the coveted Best of the Day award. This elite group included Hailey Birchall, Megan Bormet, Cora Busby, Zachary Grohler, Savannah Jones, Brayden Kief, Lauren Krumwiede, Rylie Landess, Grace Morgan, Curtis Ostendorf, Dylan Otto, and Ava Reinhart.
State and Leadership Recognition:
ILMEA All-District Choir Members: Hailey Birchall, Savannah Jones, Brayden Kief, Lauren Krumwiede, Rylie Landess, Curtis Ostendorf, Dylan Otto, and Ava Reinhart
ILMEA All-State Members: Brayden Kief and Dylan Otto represented the top tier of vocalists in Illinois
IHSA Solo Superior Solo Ratings with "Best of the Day" Honors: Cora Busby, Lauren Krumwiede, and Dylan Otto
Superior Solo Ratings: Savannah Jones, Brayden Kief, Rylie Landess, Grace Morgan, and Ava Reinhart
Special Senior Awards:
Outstanding HS Choir Members: Cora Busby and Lauren Krumwiede
Outstanding Senior Leadership Award: Dylan Otto
A Community Note
Mrs. Howard emphasized that the success of the program relies heavily on the support system behind the singers. "They have supported one another, built a strong sense of community, and consistently represented PBL with pride," she said. "Thank you to the students for their dedication, and to families and supporters for your help and encouragement throughout the year."
The Spring Concert concluded a successful year for the PBL choral program, leaving students and staff with some great memories and also looking forward to the opportunities next year will bring.
View the Event: Click here for pictures from the 2026 Spring Chorus Concert