HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland Public Schools’ long reputation as a performing arts powerhouse hit a high note this month at district competitions across West Michigan.
This is the first time in recent history that Holland’s middle school and high school performing arts groups all achieved Division 1 or very high Division 2 ratings in the same year. The showing is even more impressive considering the near-record number of snow days that kept students from classes this year.
“It really is a testimony to the dedicated students and their level of work ethic. They do a lot of practicing outside of school,” said Sarah Cox, Holland High’s director of vocal music for the past five years.
Holland High Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, led by Holland High Director of Bands Bethany Van Oss, received overall Division 1 Superior, with Concert Band earning all 1s in performance and a very high 2 in the sight-reading portion. Wind Ensemble received straight 1s across the board in performance and sight-reading, with all A-s, As and even a few A+s in the sight-reading portion at MSBOA District X Concert Festival at East Kentwood High School on March 1.
Holland Middle School seventh grade band, under the direction of Ross Huber, received straight 1s at MSBOA District 10 Concert Festival for an overall rating of Division 1 Superior rating. The HMS eighth grade band, under Van Oss, received an overall Division 2 Excellent at the same festival.
The HMS eighth grade choir, directed by Jamie Steinman, performed at MSVMA District Choral Festival on March 7, earning a Division 1 Excellent rating and a perfect sight-reading score.
The high school chamber orchestra, led by Director of Orchestras John Reikow, earned all As in every category at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra District X Festival at Harbor Lights Middle School on March 1.
The 7th grade Orchestra, directed by Kay Mayer, and the eighth-grade orchestra and chamber orchestras earned 1st Division ratings at District 10 Michigan School Band and Orchestra Festival on March 1. The chamber orchestra and eighth grade orchestra will be traveling to State MSBOA Band and Orchestra Festival in April.
Holland High’s concert choir and Vocal Dimensions, led by Cox, each garnered high Division 1 Excellent ratings at MSVMA District Choir Festival on March 1, resulting in both choirs advancing to the state choral festival in May. Select Men’s and Belle Canto received high Division 2 ratings.
Three of Cox’s choir students individually achieved state honors choir this year, the most at one time in the school’s history.
“We demand a lot from students and they always show up, going above and beyond. I’m very proud of all the bands from the youngest all the way up to my seniors. They’re incredible, just great kids and very supportive parents,” said Van Oss.
This is her first year leading the high school band, although Van Oss has been with the district for 16 years. She was previously the middle school band director.
Holland students can begin taking daily musical performance classes as early as 6th grade.
“Music is an important part of the district’s curriculum because the discipline teaches essential life skills – from being punctual to having determination and dedication,” Van Oss said.
Holland Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Brian Davis, observed, “Staff goes the extra mile to ensure the success of students, often working with them outside of the classroom. The performing arts teachers are a tight-knit group, who often collaborate with each other to provide expanded opportunities for their students.”
Cox underscored the importance of working with students from a young age and the broader value of music education.
“We are instilling a love for music and a commitment to excellence in the elementary and middle school programs, which really lends itself to success at the high school level. It’s no coincidence that our kids go on to achieve success in other areas,” Cox said.
The Vocal Dimensions choir, for example, includes many high school athletic stars from the varsity basketball, football, and cross country teams. There is also crossover within the performing arts programs. Choir students are often cast in productions of Holland High Theatre, which has captured 19 State “Class A” Competitive Theatre Championships in the last 27 years and won the coveted People’s Choice Award in 2019.
Recent alums are making their mark, from singing with Harvard University’s Glee Club to taking the stage with the New York Philharmonic.
Later this month, Vocal Dimensions will celebrate the group’s 40th anniversary with a “The Greatest Vocals Show – 40 Years in the Making” concert on March 21-24 at the high school. Several alumni are flying in from across the country to participate.
Holland Public Schools is a K-12 urban school district located in the city of Holland serving a diverse, multilingual student body with educational excellence, a compassionate staff, leading-edge programs and the support of a committed community. Learn more at hollandpublicschools.org.
