STMS and STHS choirs take first place at 2022 Music in the Parks - Great America Festival

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Choir directors, Miss Allyssa Little, STHS, and Mr. Chris Cromwell, STMS, suspected they had special groups this year based on how their groups conducted themselves through the adversity and challenges that they were presented with throughout the course of this school year.

Those suspicions were confirmed this past weekend, Saturday, May 14, 2022.

The South Tahoe High School Viking Choir and the South Tahoe Middle School Timberwolf Choirs competed in the 2022 Music in the Parks - Great America Festival. That specialness was recognized by the judges and festival staff who awarded the combined South Tahoe group with the Esprit De Corps which is “an award given to the group that most exhibits pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, camaraderie, and unity of purpose for the music activity.” That award is presented last and to only one group out of a large number of schools regardless of category. Even though they ended with the ultimate prize, there was plenty to cheer about throughout the duration of the awards ceremony.

Both groups took first place in their respective divisions with “excellent” ratings and STHS Junior, Alexiah Solorzano, received the Outstanding High School Vocalist Award for her solo in the song “Fly Away Home” by Pinkzebra.

This is the first competition these choirs have been able to participate in since 2019. They’ll be looking to build off this strong showing in future competitions. The group is young with no graduating seniors.

“These groups showed so much composure despite having little experience and being so young. We only sing for about 10 minutes, but it's what these kids do with the rest of the 23 hours and 50 minutes of the day that makes us so excited for their bright future,” said Miss Little.