Salem-Keizer Schools Take Top Three Places at Choir State Championships

There was a Salem-Keizer sweep at the 30th OSAA Choir State Championships Saturday night at George Fox after South placed first, with West and Sprague in second and third. The other schools in the district fell short; McNary did not place in the top five, while McKay and North qualified but were not selected to compete.
This marks South’s 13th OSAA title. Sprague has the second largest amount with nine, and North, McNary, and West all have one. Last year was the first time in championship history that a Salem-Keizer school did not place first or second.
South’s choir has performed one major concert every month of the school year.
“I’m so glad to be a part of the program,” Camaryn LaRaut ‘17, a singer in the chamber women’s choir said. “I know how much work and effort went into this.”
Several South students also placed at the Solo State Championships on April 30 at Pacific University in Forest Grove. Zari Crier ‘18 placed first place for bass voice. Kaitlyn Clawson won second place for flute.
“Congrats for continuing South’s tradition of excellence,” LaRaut said.
More winners are scattered among other Salem-Keizer schools, including 12 winners from West, one from North, two from McNary, and three from Sprague. West has winners spanning all categories, with three first place, five second place, three third place, and one fourth place winner. A more complete list can be found on Statesman Journal.
Band and orchestra championships will be May 11 to May 14 at Oregon State University in Corvallis. For those who want to follow it on twitter, use the hashtag #OSAAmusic. Statesman Journal will also be covering all events.