Five members of the Garden Spot High School Chorus were selected by audition to participate in the LLMEA County Chorus Festival that was held on Saturday, January 21 at Lampeter-Strasburg High School.  The participating students were Natalie Ziemer (Soprano I), Meghan Skiles (Soprano II), Morgan Martin (Alto II), Bryson Buffington (Bass II), and Sam Tarasenko (Bass II).  A total of 240 students were chosen for this festival from Lancaster and Lebanon counties, and the guest conductor for the concert was Dr. John Paul Johnson, professor of Music Education at Wichita State University.

One week later, on January 27-28, the District 7 Chorus Festival was held at Northern High School in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Four Garden Spot High School students, Natalie Zeimer (Soprano I), Meghan Skiles (Soprano II), Bryson Buffington (Bass II), and Sam Tarasenko (Bass II), were chosen to attend. A total of 200 students were selected for the chorus. The guest conductor for the festival was Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, director of Choral Activities at Mansfield University.

Finally, Bryson Buffington (Bass II) and Sam Tarasenko (Bass II) were also chosen to attend the Region V Sate Chorus Festival held at Waynesboro Area Senior High School on March 8-10, 2012. This was a 3 day festival involving 200 students from Region V. The guest conductor was Dr. Stephen Barr, Director of Choirs at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

Being chosen for these festivals not only reflects musical talent, but also a willingness to put in much time and effort preparing the music. These students are to be commended for their accomplishments!