An experienced group of Wrangell High School musicians are in Haines this week for Southeast Honor Music Fest.
Sophomores Clara Carney and Stella Buness, junior Silje Morse and senior Andrei Bardin-Siekawitch all represented the choir and band at last year’s fest — which was held in Wrangell — and are eager to learn and perform again this year.
The Honor Music Fest brings together students from high schools across Southeast Alaska, from Haines to Metlakatla, for music instruction and performances with guest directors. It is a chance to practice and create vocal and instrumental music as a group with a shared love and purpose.
Buness, who was selected to sing Soprano 2, said it was a different experience than a typical choir class, where motivations can vary. “The students want to be there, and they like music.”
Carney agreed, “It is an elevated group who want to be there and have the same goal to sound the best we can.”
Morse, who sings the Alto 2 part, said it was interesting to compare the music selections from year to year. “The music is a little easier this year because last year there were songs in different languages. This year there is really just one challenging piece.”
“I have to think about my voice,” said Carney, who will be singing Soprano 1. “So many things can affect it before a performance, like a cold. I’m also playing a volleyball tournament before the Music Fest, and I usually yell a lot for that. I have to remember to take care of my voice.”
The only Wrangell instrumentalist participating is Bardin-Siekawitch, on tenor saxophone. He said it is fun to work on new and challenging music, and working with a group of people who are passionate about music is an environment that “you just can’t get anywhere else, everyone there is collaborative.”
In addition to the Honor Music Fest, Bardin-Siekawitch has been selected for the 2026 All-State Music Festival, to be held in Anchorage Nov. 19-21.
