On Friday, March 20, more than 280 choir students from every school in Kelso came together at the Kelso High School auditorium for the district’s annual Choir Festival—an event centered not on performance for an audience, but on singing for and learning from one another.
For around two decades, the festival has given students a unique chance to experience the full journey of choir in Kelso School District. From the youngest singers to the most experienced high school vocalists, students are able to hear where choir begins and see how far they can go if they stick with it.
The festival began with a warmup as one combined group, followed by performances from each school choir. Each choir presented one song, while the high school choir performed two. Students then took part in a question-and-answer session, where younger singers had the opportunity to ask older students about their choir experience.
Questions included: How much do you practice? What’s your favorite song to sing? Does your voice hurt when you hit the high notes? And perhaps most importantly: Why do you love choir?
One high school student answered simply and beautifully: “It’s something that comes from your heart and soul and makes you feel good inside.”
The festival ended with all students singing together—this year performing Banuwa, a Liberian folk song that many of them learned on the spot.
Angie Blum, festival organizer and Carrolls Elementary music teacher, said the event continues to be a special tradition for students and staff alike.
“It’s a magical moment in musical time,” Blum said. “There is nothing better than singing together with and for your community.”
More than just a musical gathering, the annual Choir Festival is a celebration of growth, connection, and the joy of raising voices together.