Last night was the WHS/WMS Vocal Music Christmas Concert. Directed by Jennifer Ault, it was superb!! There are presently 181 pictures loaded in at the link below. Enjoy.
It was a wonderful concert, WMS and WHS are both blessed with some mighty fine singers!!
The WHS Marching Band performed at K-STATE on Saturday. Here is info about the event and also pictures taken by Band Students, using a WHS Yearbook Camera - awesome pics and looks like an awesome experience for our Crusaders! Great Job!!
Two separate concerts Thursday at WHS, with one goal in mind. Show the parents and friends of our Knight and Crusader Musicians how much we appreciate their talents and abilities.
The Wellington High School Band, under the direction of Allen Hisken, performed their "Christmas Greetings" concert Monday evening at WHS, with a limited crowd of parents/guardians and a few media folk. Including WHS Yearbook that provided all the STILLS you can access at the link below. Also on hand, Studio 55 cameraman Brad Case - watch for this concert SOON, on Sumner Communications CH 55!
The CRUSADERS OF THE STAGE at WHS presented a variety of funny and entertaining "one act plays", written and directed by the students themselves, over this weekend. Numerous patrons were on hand for their opening on Friday, be sure to check out the pics below!!
The WHS Choir presented "WELCOME CHRISTMAS" at their holiday concert on Thursday, Dec. 5th. Choir Director Jennifer Ault, on maternity leave would have been proud of her students. Guest Director (Band) Allen Hisken filled in with Carol Hisken on piano, and together the group performed such classics as "White Christmas", "The Little Drummer Boy", "Carol of the Bells", "The First Noel" and "Holy Night".
"EBENEZER - A SCROOGE STORY" now playing at WHS!! An exquisite performance by the Crusaders of the Stage, under the direction of Bob & Michelle Brown! More than 500 pics from opening night - check out link below.
If you missed opening night Friday night, you have two more opportunities to experience this awesome assemblage of talent. A great production, with great effects - talented dancing as well.
The WMS & WHS Choirs' "GRATITUDE CONCERT" was an awesome event Thursday evening at WHS. A large crowd was on hand to enjoy the music of our 6th through 12th graders, under the direction of Jessica Coldwell and accompaninest Sherry Willis.
A variety of songs were presented, including at least one the Crusader Singers performed at Carnegie Hall in February. Thursday's concert in part, was the choir's way of thanking the Wellington Community for all their support. The group raised around $80K for that trip of a lifetime to Carnegie.
Nice crowds all weekend at Wellington High School. It was showtime on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, for the Rodgers and Hammerstein production - "OKLAHOMA" and the Crusaders of the Stage were at their best, their very, very best!
The Knight and Crusader Concert Bands performed at WHS, before a nice-sized crowd Wednesday evening. The 6th grade and 7th/8th grade bands performed, the WHS Crusader Concert Band were the finale!
Nice performances by all, under the direction of Mr. David Brody. A fine concert.
Numbers included, Ode To Joy, Needle In A Haystack, America the Beautiful, Cameroon, Prairie Songs, Chorale Prelude, Appalachian Air, and Bonds of Unity.
The CRUSADERS of the STAGE presented ONE ACTS Friday and Saturday evening out at WHS. Also featured, in between the acts were several vocal music numbers, performed by the WHS CHOIR.
ACTS included "The Mysterious Mystery", "A Poor Excuse for a One Act...", and "A Butterly's Wings". Musical numbers were performed by "Love Letter", Abby Smith, Mason Lough, Brittney Bentz, Hunter Lough, and Jordyn Young.
The WHS Varsity Debate team were given a BIG SEND OFF at WHS - the "Debaters" are State-Tournament Bound!! Devin Dickinson, Gabe Hyer, Austin Fink and Austin Harriger had all qualified earlier in the season at tournaments at Chaparral and Augusta.
Last month, the WHS Varsity Debate won first place at the 4-Speaker Debate Regionals in Parsons! In fact, the Crusaders earned a clean sweep victory with a 12-0 score!
The WHS CHOIR under the direction of Jessica Coldwell are working hard to raise $$ for their NEW YORK trip in February! They are getting CLO$E! They truly have worked hard!!!!
Enhance your holiday season and help out a talented and spirited bunch of Crusaders and hire them to come by your home, your neighbor's home, another family member's home or a friend's! Only $15!!
They'll be out "CAROLING" on Saturday, Dec. 8th between 1pm-5pm...brighten someone's day and the choir's as well - it will get you in the holiday mood...
The "Crusaders of the Stage", under the direction of new drama directors Bob and Michelle Brown, opened Thursday evening at WHS. Well performed and received by those present. Originally scheduled for Friday evening also, that performance was cancelled and moved to Saturday due to Sectional Football action Friday at Sellers Park. The finale's will be performed on Saturday, a matinee at 2PM, and the last performance, 7PM. There's a large cast of characters:
CAST
Stage Manager - Rachel Lee
The WMS and WHS Choirs had their first performances of the 2018-2019 school year (if you don't count the awesome Lawn Concert just before school began in August!), at Wellington High School Tuesday evening, under the direction of Jessica Coldwell and accompanied on the piano with Jeanie Escobar. Musical selections were as follows:
KNIGHT CHOIR (no pics, sorry!)
September...Arr. Mark Brymev
6th GRADE CHOIR
Haida...Arr. Henry Leck
O Music...Arr. Doreen Rao
Larance & Carrie Lough probably had no idea, a dozen or so years ago, when they presented a small "roll-out" piano to their first-born, Mason, who was 3 at the time. It was of immediate interest to their son, and when, a couple of years later, a relative purchased a nicer keyboard for the boy, it became clear the young man possessed exceptional musical abilities. "At age 5, Mason could listen to a song, turn to his keyboard and play it," mother Carrie shared in a sit-down with the two and younger brother and musician Hunter recently.
The WHS Choir and Band hosted a fun event Friday evening on the lawn outside of WHS. Neives' Tacos, Brown Box Bakery Cupcakes, and music, music, music. Enjoy these pics and look forward to some video from the event in the not-too-distant future! Proceeds from the event were going towards the Choir's trip to Carnegie Hall in NYC this coming school year!
This week is WHS BAND CAMP! Stopped by Tuesday morning and took pics of the group rehearsing different "marching" patterns, etc. Great group of young folks! Looking forward to the first HOME FOOTBALL GAME - always awesome when they march in playing the fight song!! The band's director is Mr. Ben Olson.
The Wellington High School Crusader Singers and Choir performed their Spring Concert Thursday evening in the auditorium. Brad Ewing was on top of the sound and lights, a very colorful and well performed concert in front of a large crowd of parents, friends and fans. Multiple numbers, including 8 solos and more, all directed by Jessica Coldwell - all well received by those in attendance.
Three Crusader musicians performed at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival in Larned this past Saturday.
Several Crusader musicians performed at the Regional Solo and Small Ensemble Festival at Goddard Eisenhower Saturday.
Receiving II (Excellent) ratings were Cameron Carter, Quinn McCue, and Michaela Adkins-Washington for vocal solos, KayCee Pennington for trumpet solo, and Alexis Tracy for baritone sax solo.
Earning I (Superior) ratings and qualifying for State were Mariah Grable for vocal solo, Julia Starnes and Marisa Black for flute solos.
Awesome representation Crusaders - CONGRATULATIONS!!
The "Crusaders of the Stage" will be presenting "THE ORPHAN TRAIN", a drama written by Aurand Harris, beginning Thursday, (April 12th, 13th & 14th) at WHS - the curtain goes up at 7PM all three nights. The play, based on the true stories from 8 orphans, back in 1914, who were scooped up in New York City and sent to the Midwest on THE ORPHAN TRAIN in search of homes. A common practice during that time.
USD 353 Choral Director, Jessica Coldwell, presented her KNIGHT and CRUSADER Choirs in concert Tuesday evening at Wellington High School and much to the delight of those within hearin' distance! Superb performances by both groups, singing some rather difficult selections too.
The WHS Choir under the direction of Jessica Coldwell were out and about today, singing "VALENGRAMS" to individuals and audiences across the Land of Crusaders! They started the day off at WHS, singing to the WHS teachers at their "Late Start Wednesday Meeting"...check out their sound - very good!!
(courtesy WHS Yearbook)
WHS Forensics competed at Medicine Lodge on Thursday.
Lizzy Santana earned 5th in Poetry, Austin Harriger and Gabe Hyer earned 4th in Improvised Duet Acting.
Gabe Hyer won 1st in his Prose event qualifying him for state and festival!
Congratulations Crusaders!!
Forensics Coach Caitlin Hendrix and the WHS Forensics Team competed at Newton Saturday...two Crusaders qualified for State!
Austin Harriger placed 5th in Informative Speaking!
Gabe Hyer placed 3rd and qualified for State in Prose!
Austin Harriger and Gabe Hyer placed 2nd and qualified for State in Improvised Duet Acting!
Congratulations CRUSADERS!! Way to Represent!!
Good Luck @ STATE!!!
One-Act plays are similar to a short story. There is a complete drama within one act. It is brief, condensed, and single in effect. One situation or episode is presented, permitting no minor plots or side actions that may distract attention for the single purpose and effect being developed. Characters are few in number, quickly introduced, and very limited in character development. Dialogue and Plot must carry the action forward smoothly and quickly.
The WHS Crusader Choir and the "Crusaders of the Stage" collaborated in the "two" night presentation of "A CRUSADER CAROL - WWII Radio Christmas Show" out at WHS Thursday and Friday. Awesome sound and lighting by Brad Ewing, the icing on the cake.
The program consisted of a step back in time, when radio was big and the war even bigger. The show also showcased some incredibly talented teenagers in song and more. There are many names you could mention, all performed superbly.
CRUSADERS OF THE STAGE present
ONE ACT PLAYS
A compilation of plays written and directed by students.
"2" one acts will be performed on January 26th and 27th at 7:00PM in the WHS Auditorium.
PLEASE NOTE /// 1 of the 2 plays raises awareness on bullying and suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
Admission - Adults $5 / Students $3
The WMS/WHS Bands held their Winter Program Tuesday evening at Wellington High School. The production was divided into 4 groups, 6th grade, then 7th, then 8th grade bands performed, followed by the High School band. All were under the direction of instructor Ben Olson.
The MENU of songs were as follows:
6th Grade
Mozart Medley, Jingle Bells, Jolly Ole Saint Nic and Upon The House Top
7th Grade
Celtic Christmas and Jingle Bell Rock
Industrial Arts is an educational program which features fabrication of objects in wood or metal using a variety of hand, power, or machine tools. A visit to Mr.
On Saturday Nov. 4, several Wellington students auditioned for the Kansas Music Educators South Central District Honor Band.
WHS Senior Marisa Black was selected to be a member of this group. Of the approximately 50 flute students who auditioned, she placed third chair out of 12 that were eventually selected. This is her second year to be chosen for this honor, and she is now eligible to audition for the State Honor Band. Last year Marisa was also selected for this group.
Mrs. Lawless' Culinary Arts class at WHS were busy making treats for a Halloween party Tuesday.
As part of the project, they discussed cost, color, and proper table layout that allows guests to receive their food and drink in an organized manner.
Great times! Great looking treats!! (And I suspect - Great tasting!!)
I was privileged Thursday evening to sit in on a full dress rehearsal for the WHS Drama Department's upcoming Neil Simon production - "FOOLS". The Fall 2017 offering under the direction of first year Drama Instructor Jessica Coldwell is just absolutely superb. The stage setup, the costumes, the make-up, the sound, the special effects, the lighting, the stage crew and of course the actors and actresses nail it!
A large crowd was on hand Tuesday evening at WHS for the FALL CHOIR PROGRAM featuring choirs from both WMS and WHS. All performed well, especially considering school has been in session for such a short time. Jessica Coldwell is the choral director for USD 353 and she puts on some very nice concerts, this one included. Here was what the music menu for the evening looked like:
6TH GRADE KNIGHT CHOIR
Red River Valley ..... American Folksong
The WHS Drama and Forensics students and their instructor Caitlin Hendrix attended the Kansas State Fair this past week. The Fair holds two days of Debate and Forensics Demonstrations for students from across Kansas. These "demos" are hosted by Sterling College, and the students are given the opportunity early on in the semester to witness what a true high school debate looks like. They practice "Flowing" during the debate and then discuss the cases and how to improve their own before tournaments begin in two weeks!
Had the pleasure of spending some time Tuesday morning with the Crusader Marching Band and their director Mr. Ben Olson out at Wellington High School. They are having BAND CAMP this week and I caught up with them on Crusader Circle (or whatever the road around the CRUSADER HOME is called) as they practiced their marching in preparation for the new school year which is knocking loudly now at everyone's door!
