Pierce Choir Attends Mid-State Choral Conference

November 17, 2025

By Brianna Rundell

Pierce High Choir attended the annual Mid-State conference choral clinic on Monday, November 10, hosted by Battle Creek High School.

Upon arrival, students checked in and watched as other schools made their way into the building. Other schools in attendance were Battle Creek, Boone Central, Cedar Catholic, Crofton, Norfolk Catholic, O’Neill, Ponca, and Wayne.

“I have actually been a part of this Mid-State conference for eight years–five with Pierce and three with Norfolk Catholic. I really love working with these directors. They are a fun group,” choir director Amy Barnhill. “Each song had their good qualities but I think the ‘I'm Gonna Rise When the Son Comes Down’ was my favorite as far as energy goes and ‘Requiem’ because of the beautiful harmonies. I think I would incorporate a corn hole tournament during the lunch break. Schools pick one boys team and one girls team and they play to 11 instead of 21. As far as the rehearsal schedule I'd keep that the same.”

At 9:45 all choir members found a spot on the bleachers to start preparing for the evening concert.

The Battle Creek choir director gave an opening introduction speech and introduced Dustin Wood, the choir director at Norfolk High School. Wood then went over the order of the songs for the evening. After everyone was settled the practice started. 

“For it being my first time and semester in choir, going to an actual clinic designed for choirs in our district was a good experience. I really enjoyed it and the final concert really proved the work that we put in,” alto Lauren Delka said.

By 4:30, choir members were prepared for their concert. 

At 5:00, the mass choir started with “Spark of Light” by Andrew Steffen followed by “A Tribute to the Armed Forces.”

Pierce, along with other schools, had also prepared an individual group song. PHS choir selected a piece called “Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones,” which they also sang at the Veteran’s Day program.

Following the individual school performances, the mass choir ended the evening with “Requium” by Eliza Gilkyson arranged by Craig Hella Johnson, and “I’m Gonna Rise (When the Son Comes Down)” by Paul Marsena.

Pierce choir will perform next on December 15, at 7 p.m., at the high school during the 7-12 choir and band holiday concert..