Holly High School band, choir programs start year on resoundingly high note
Broncho musicians rack up victories throughout January, demonstrate district’s commitment to fine arts education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Feb. 26, 2024
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377
Holly High School band, choir programs start year on resoundingly high note
Broncho musicians rack up victories throughout January, demonstrate district’s commitment to fine arts education
HOLLY, Mich. — Holly High School’s band and choir programs started 2024 on a resoundingly high note with numerous regional and state competition victories and performances at prestigious statewide events.
Two Holly High School Band instrumentalists received top marks in Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association competitions in January.
Junior trombone player Will Raleigh was accepted to, and performed with, the 2024 Michigan All-State Orchestra on Jan. 27. Raleigh was among just 350 student musicians in the state selected from 2,800 students who auditioned for all-state ensembles. He was selected as the first-chair trombonist in the orchestra, making him the top-ranked high school trombonist in Michigan. Sophomore percussionist Bradlee Coggins received an honorable mention in the competition, ranking him among the top high school percussionists in the state.
I’d like to congratulate Will and Bradlee, and all our talented Broncho orchestra and band musicians who put in the countless hours it takes to prepare for these competitions and performances,” said Band Director Ben Baldwin. “Each of these student musicians sets a stellar example for our younger Bronchos who might consider participating in our high school music and other fine arts programs.”
Also in January, the Holly High School Mainstreet Show Choir and Concert Choir performed at the District 4 Solo & Ensemble Festival. Both choirs earned a rating of 1-Superior and will move on to the State Solo & Ensemble Festival in April.
Marie Halligan, a junior, scored a 1-Superior as a vocal soloist at the district event and will also perform as a soloist at the State Solo & Ensemble Festival.
“I’m so proud of our student vocalists for their wonderful performances at the district level, and I’m excited to see them share their talents with a statewide audience this spring,” said Choir and Theater Director Lu Harding. “It’s exciting to see our choir and theater programs continue to grow and attract more students to participate in the joys of singing and theater.”
“At Holly Area Schools, our band, orchestra and choir programs demonstrate the critical role the fine arts play in a well-rounded education that prepares our Bronchos for success and careers,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “All of our student musicians bring Broncho Pride to their performances, and we commend them for their hard work and commitment to their craft.”
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Holly High School sophomore percussionist Bradlee Coggins, left, and Holly High School junior and trombonist Will Raleigh
Holly High School junior and vocalist Marie Halligan
HHS Band and Choir Programs Press Release Feb 26 2024